ELYSIANA

Without undue drama Jim Meskimen recounts the antics of a diverse group of characters on the New Jersey barrier island of Elysiana in the summer of 1969. Political infighting between the mayor, the island president, and the beach patrol, as well as the drug traffickers and drinkers, is the focus of the plot, along with the romantic intrigues of several lifeguards. Meskimen creates believable characters and plants only a few classic “Joisey” voices to sharpen the character depictions and amuse. A natural resolution of sorts is provided by a gargantuan storm, which brings romance to the couples, dream waves to the crazy surfers, and just desserts to some of the island’s nastier characters. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2011]