THE STORY SISTERS

Tragic and ethereal, THE STORY SISTERS charts the fates of three close sisters—dominated by charismatic Elv—and their imaginary fairy kingdom, Arnelle. As Hoffman’s dark, lyrical story reflects the sisters’ rapidly shifting power, they even communicate a bit in Arnish, a Celtic-like language they invented. Nancy Travis's Arnish pronunciation is impressive, and she envelopes Hoffman's novel with clarity, compassion, and focus. But she lacks a youthful lightness in her vocal tone, which would more aptly depict the sisters' sense of wonder and earnestness. Something is lost as Hoffman's transcendent, whimsical prose moves from the page to the reading. Travis's strong, mature timbre is too deep, mortal, and grounded for Hoffman's celestial tangents. A.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]