A GOOD AND HAPPY CHILD

George Davies is in therapy because of his inability to handle his infant son. In most of the book, Mark Deakins narrates from George's perspective as he journals about his youth. Following his own father's sudden death, he found himself immersed in warring worlds of psychiatric and religious treatment as he plunged into a world of delusion or demonic possession. The calm, measured tones of the medical professionals portrayed by Deakins are in high contrast to the strong Southern and Midwestern accents of the believers who hope to exorcise the young George. This is scary stuff, made more powerful by Deakins's cagily balanced, straightforward delivery. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]