SOCIAL CREATURE

As twenty-somethings Lavinia and Louise become fast friends, narrator Saskia Maarleveld does a marvelous keeping the voices of the two young women unique. Their relationship is rooted in impulsive moments and outrageous parties with shallow people throughout Manhattan. Maarleveld deftly handles the boyfriends and other characters as well. The voices she creates are amazingly unique--from the energetic and almost shrill tone of Lavinia to the deep pitch of her friend Hal. Maarleveld especially shines at giving the omniscient narrator's interjections a separate identity. The story's plot is intriguing, and Maarleveld crafts identities that keep the listener engaged. M.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2018]