HEART OF THE DREAMING

In a robust theatrical voice, Natalie Bate depicts the joys, jealousies, and tragedies of a multigenerational family on a sheep station in the dusty Australian Outback. From the clipped slang of the rough and tumble ranch hands to the blended dialect of the spiritual Aborigines and the cultured tones of the city folks, Bate delivers every syllable and each sigh and chuckle with conviction. She also characterizes an unexpected honeyed drawl of the American South and lyrical dialogue of the Italian coast. Bate’s language repertoire complements the author's intricate plot and manifold cast of characters, and together they weave an expansive saga. E.V.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]