THE SHAPE OF WATER

Jenna Lamia's luminous narration of a love like no other is profoundly affecting and transformative. Elisa Esposito is one of society's outcasts, a scarred, mute woman who works nights as a janitor at Baltimore's Occam Aerospace Research Center. One night, Elisa encounters a terrible secret, an amphibious Amazonian man who has been imprisoned and tortured in the name of science. Despite their differences, Elisa connects with the creature, forming a bond that transcends language and culture. Expertly giving voice to the characters' innermost thoughts, Lamia reveals their courage and grit. Her characterization of Elisa is achingly beautiful as she gently portrays the woman's distinctive blend of innocence and insight. Secondary characters, Elisa's friends, who are also outcasts, are depicted in a way that highlights their magnificent loyalty and strength. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2018]