LABOR DAY

Narrator Wilson Bethel's voice evokes the tension of a young man standing on the precipice of becoming a man. Bethel uses an adolescent voice to describe Henry's longing for love and wonderings about life. Bethel shines in portraying Henry's relationship with his mother, giving their interplay the realistic back-and-forth style that many mothers and sons share. As Adele's sad secret is finally revealed, Bethel's delivery turns melancholy. Listeners will appreciate how Bethel's narration gives additional strength and empathy to the dramatic story of a life-altering event in a young man's life. R.O. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]