THE MAGICIAN'S ASSISTANT

Karen Ziemba's voice enhances the magical qualities woven into this tale of love and loss. As with a magic trick, little in the story is as it appears. Magician's assistant Sabine adores the magician Parsifal. Even though he can't love her as she wants, he captivates her throughout his life—and beyond. After his death, Sabine must confront the disappearing act that dominated Parsifal's life. Ziemba voices objections by Sabine's Jewish mother with characteristic zing and gives a sharp, grating tone to dialogue spoken by Parsifal's family, hidden away in Nebraska. As mysterious experiences move Sabine from sorrow to acceptance and peace, Ziemba's narration carries the listener along. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]