THE SUGAR QUEEN

Ariadne Meyers uses just the right touches of various Southern accents to suggest the North Carolina setting of this novel. At first, Meyers's youthful-sounding voice seems odd for the portrayal of 27-year-old Josey. But as the story progresses, it becomes the perfect choice to depict a young woman who is learning to individuate from her cruel, manipulative mother. Meyers also provides a chilling rendition of the mother. As Josey decides to live her dream, she is accompanied by two spirited female characters who are also trying to overcome their limiting pasts. Meyers's youthful timbre fits particularly well with the elements of magical realism that add to the story and lighten its tone. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]