THE QUIET ROOM

The Quiet Room's subtitle, "A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness," aptly describes this moving and compassionate audiobook about Lori Schiller's struggle and eventual triumph over schizophrenia. Mary Beth Hurt, as Lori, gives a convincing performance. Her pleasantly resonant voice conveys the confusion, terror, denial, hope and determination experienced by this patient. The narrative is well paced and the terrifying and demoralizing "voices" that were ever present are especially well vocalized. Although Mary Beth Hurt is the principal reader, others portray Lori's parents, roommates and psychiatrists. This manner of dramatization and the fine performances provide three hours of sensitive and satisfying listening. A.A.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAR 95]