READING IN THE DARK

You're in Northern Ireland in the middle of this century, taken there by Donal Donnelly. His rendition of the main character as a young boy and then a young man is convincing. So are his depictions of the boy's mother; the town's odd old man; and assorted other relatives, comrades, and enemies, many of whom have secrets to reveal. The child's sense of wonder and curiosity about the world gradually give way to his consciousness of the politically verdant and dangerous landscape of his particular time and place. Donnelly is respectful of each character's nuances, as well as the gravity of the life stories he tells. This care, as well as Donnelly's lilt, provides the lyricism that keeps this grave story from collapsing under its own weight. T.F. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]