THE GOD OF ANIMALS

Lily Rabe portrays Alice Winston, the 12-year-old narrator of this unforgettable novel. With subtle attention to detail Rabe describes Alice's life with her parents on a failing horse farm. Especially memorable is Rabe's understated depiction of Alice's bedridden, emotionally crippled mother. Rabe also provides a nuanced portrayal of Alice's father, who is emotionally distant and willing to do anything for financial stability. The hopelessness of Alice's situation is fully captured in Rabe's delivery of her loneliness, her search for love with a male English teacher, and her horror as she watches the death of a promising colt. The narrator's vocal range and skills produce an amazing performance. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]