THE PEOPLE IN THE TREES

Those who loved STATE OF WONDER by Ann Patchett will find much to admire in this title, which is part mystery and part medical adventure focusing on a doctor, an anthropologist, and the natives of a Micronesian island who exhibit unusual longevity. The use of three narrators is an interesting choice for this book, which is told in epistolary style, mixed with press clippings, and multiple points of view. Erin Yuen's clipped diction, sharp tones, and slightly mechanical vocals provide the clinical tone for the medical parts of the story. The masculine voices work well to portray the two cultured, reasoned academics, characterizations that are essential to keep the reader guessing whether or not the doctor is guilty of the various vile deeds attributed to him. M.R. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2013]