BIRD SUMMONS

Raghad Chaar is a talented narrator who goes in and out of several accents while portraying the three main characters central to this story. Salma and Moni are characterized in a lilting Scottish accent, while Iman has a slight Arab accent. The three women undertake a pilgrimage to Lady Evelyn's grave in the Highlands. Listeners will appreciate Chaar's dexterity in portraying the varied temperaments of these three very different characters. Salma comes across as confident, while Moni is more reserved, worried about Adam, her son with special needs. Iman is the youngest, admired for her beauty and also hampered by it. Chaar infuses the story with mystery as they encounter a bird with mythical properties in both Islamic and Scottish traditions. M.R. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2020]