MOTHERLAND

Nicholson gained his fame as a screenwriter, and this book has the feel of a future Hollywood blockbuster. Set in England during WWII, with scenes in India and pre-independence Jamaica immediately following the war, it tells the story of Kitty and the two soldiers who fall in love with her, Ed and Larry. Through strong descriptions and dialogue, the author paints a picture of people trying to live normal lives in extraordinary times. The weakness comes with the narrator. A story driven by dialogue with a lot of characters, some minor, some major, needs a subtle narration. Gabrielle Glaister's delivery, while professional, consistent, and smooth, lacks the nuances that would aid the listener in following the story and its characters. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2013]