EM AND THE BIG HOOM

Em and The Big Hoom are the parents of Susan and her brother, who is the unnamed narrator of this first-person novel. Narrator Neil Shah uses his voice effectively, adding layers and depth to all of these characters. He particularly inhabits the son as he recounts the roller-coaster ride of growing up with his bipolar mother. His account balances an observer’s detachment with a son’s love and concern. As the boy’s father, The Big Hoom, Shah’s voice is deep and authoritative. His tone reflects a character who is seemingly detached from the chaos and confusion of life with Em but obviously loving and concerned with her suffering. The voice of Em herself is more challenging, but Shah is up to it, using tone and tempo to let the listener experience her ups and downs and their impact on her family. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2014]