DARK MOTHER EARTH

Will Damron's narration is deftly executed as he portrays protagonist Matija as an unreliable narrator whose complicated story emerges as his story progresses. Matija is a writer with two successful books who is now in a rut. He's unable to communicate his struggle to his colleagues or his girlfriend, who suspects that he's putting a good face on his unhappiness. Caught in an elaborate series of lies about his past, Matija must face his traumatic childhood, particularly his father's death. The audiobook's title alludes to the end we, and all our loved ones, face, and much of Novak's audiobook is bleak but honest in how extended grief can impact a life. Damron's clear but stoic tone can be unsettling, but it suits the ultimately moving listening experience perfectly. S.P.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]