ALL MY PUNY SORROWS

In this quasi-autobiographical audiobook, Miriam Toews explores the pain of loving and caring for a family member who is ravaged by mental illness. Erin Moon narrates the story of Yolandi, the twice-divorced single parent and less than successful younger sister of Elfrieda, a world-renowned pianist who has a loving husband and support group. Using a world-weary voice, Moon draws listeners into this world. The book's language is beautiful, but the subject is depressing, and listening is difficult. Moon successfully conveys, in every word, the pain, hopelessness, and despair of Yolandi, who cannot save her talented older sister from the demons in her mind who torture her and make death more inviting than all the love in her life. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2015]