THE DARK DAYS OF HAMBURGER HALPIN

Jim Meskimen’s narration begins as quiet and contemplative, self-deprecating and snarky. As the story progresses and the deaf, overweight Wil Halpin makes a friend and tries to solve the mystery of a classmate’s murder, Meskimen gains a hint of joy in his voice. Meskimen makes it clear that although he may be the object of jokes, Halpin is not a victim. He is smart, witty, observant and a really good friend. He also handles the story’s climax, in which the murderer is accused in front of police, ring true. The interactions between Halpin and the hearing world are realistically portrayed and will leave listeners with a new understanding of the deaf. The interview with the author answers many questions about how Berk captured the world of a deaf teen so completely. This is not a book about deafness nor obesity but a good old-fashioned mystery in which sleuthing saves the day. G.G. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]