From: emily nichols <emilylnichols>
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:15:06 -0400

Nation is the only one of the Odyssey books that I have had the pleasure of hearing. I absolutely loved it- Stephen Briggs' reading is versatile enough to bring to life the orphaned boy Mau, the elderly medicine woman on his island, the priggish and inexperienced Daphne and her domineering grandmother. And the warm, sad, thoughtful and hilarious narration.

Often listening to the book I would be laughing and tearful at the same time
(somewhat dangerous while driving). I think it stays remarkably true to the conventions of its world and the ages of its characters while turning some of my conceptions of our 19th century on end. Knowing that the author was suffering from early onset Alzheimer's while he wrote it and that his friend Briggs is the reader made it even more poignant for me, illuminating the theme of loss that ran through the story.

Thanks for reading, Emily Nichols Head of Children's Services Beverly Public Library
Received on Fri 10 Apr 2009 01:15:06 PM CDT