CROSSING STONES

Frost’s novel in verse recounts the stories of two close families whose farms are connected by crossing stones that span a creek. Their lives are changed forever at the beginning of WWI. Natalia Payne, Steven Boyer, and Rachel Botchan deftly handle delivering the poems, which are alternately presented in the voices of Muriel, Ollie, and Emma. The narrators clearly convey both the conversations and internal monologues of the three young people, each of whom is struggling with the need to make personal choices and deal with consequences of the war. The high quality of the narration is even more evident if one listens with the book in hand, following the poetic forms of each selection. This is compelling historical fiction, beautiful poetry, and a thoroughly satisfying listening experience. C.R.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2011]