HISTORY OF WOLVES

In a deliberate and thoughtful tone, Susan Bennett narrates Emily Fridlund's slow burn of a story about 14-year-old Linda, who lives in the abandoned remains of a Minnesota commune. Bennett's solemn delivery mirrors Linda's loneliness--and outsider status. When the Gardner family enters her life, a sense of wonder and awe enters Bennett's narration. Sadly, the story's suspense eventually falls flat, resulting in an anti-climatic resolution. But Bennett's performance helps to buoy the foundering plot. Her insights into the characters help connect listeners with fine details and nuances that might otherwise elude them. While this novel leaves something to be desired in its plot, Bennett's performance more than makes up for it. J.F. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2017]