YOUR HEART IS A MUSCLE THE SIZE OF A FIST

Sunil Yapa's ambitious novel takes place over the course of a single day of the 1999 World Trade Organization riots, telling the story from seven points of view. The abundance of characters presents a serious challenge for narrator Aaron Landon, but he rises to the occasion. There are missteps, namely the Sri Lankan delegate's muddy accent and some uneven rhythms of chanting crowds. However, Landon's deliberate pacing amplifies the tension between the police and the protestors and emphasizes the lyrical quality of Yapa's writing. He brings a weariness to Police Chief Bishop's chapters and a sense of wonder to the chapters of Bishop's missing son. By the novel's end, listeners feel empathy for characters on all sides of the clashes. E.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2016]