THE EMBERS

A secret lurks at the heart of this novel, an atmospheric and poignant story about love, loss, and family. The Aschers are gathering for their daughter’s wedding, but in the background is a tragedy that slowly resurfaces and drives the book to its powerful conclusion. Narrator Nicole Poole’s voice is deceptive at first, mainly because it’s too cheery for the story, but this is just a cover for the subtle inflections and wily tone she employs later on. Poole does not have a deep reservoir of character voices, a weakness that detracts somewhat from the listening experience. She makes up for that with lively pacing, impeccable diction, and a sense that she’s having fun narrating this book. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2011]