THE COMMONER

This detailed and thought-provoking tale is the heartfelt coming-of-age story of Haruko, a Japanese woman who becomes a princess but lives a shrouded existence. Narrator Janet Song perfectly captures Haruko’s innate despair and loneliness. Song’s voice brings listeners into the novel and commands their emotions from start to finish. Breathing life into Schwartz’s work, Song makes it memorable by seeming to become Haruko. The immediacy of the production makes it sound so much like a recorded private journal that listeners may find themselves feeling like they’re eavesdropping. This is narration at its very best—and an emotional journey to say the least. L.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 08]