INCANTATION

INCANTATION is Hoffman's fifth novel aimed at the young adult audience. As always, Hoffman takes chances with her story. Here, her attempt to explore the Spanish Inquisition and its witch hunts within the context of a 16-year-old's crush on her best friend's cousin would seem to present insurmountable odds. Unfortunately, Jenna Lamia's saccharine voice, which would be more appropriate for reading a fairy tale, presents an even more significant obstacle. She also reads rapidly, as if racing to get to the end. Her tone deepens a bit as disastrous events unfold, but the upbeat peppiness with which her narration begins prevails in the listener's mind. R.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]