SAN MIGUEL

The harsh conditions on the tiny island of San Miguel are both denigrated and praised by two families trying to survive there--one in the 1880s and one in the 1930s. Barbara Caruso's performance champions the perspectives of the women who struggled at sheep ranching while coping with family, weather, and isolation. Despite her expert forays into their emotional upheavals, Caruso's voice just does not convey youth of the mid-30s or teen heroines. She expresses well Marantha's (1888) petulant, spiteful, and prudish emotions, which occasionally melt into bored complacency. In contrast, Elise (1930) embraces the adventure and the island's natural beauty, but her youthful vigor and appreciative attitude is lost in Caruso's interpretation. Boyle infuses this historical novel with fine period detail and imaginative insights into these strong characters. A.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]