THE BOOK OF V.

Listeners seeking a break from today's challenges should download this thoughtful historical audiobook performed by three talented narrators. The story involves three women who lived in three different centuries. Eva Kaminsky adeptly conveys the ambiguities and hesitations of Lily, a second wife who declines an academic post to stay at home with her young children in contemporary Brooklyn. Vivian, a political wife in 1970s Washington, DC, whose husband's vile demand severely damages her sense of self, is wonderfully portrayed by Gabra Zackman in a slightly detached yet compelling tone. Dara Rosenberg's depiction of the intelligence and emotions of Persian Queen Esther, as well as the intrigues of many supporting male and female characters, is truly astonishing. While there are clear transitions between storylines, listeners will not sense any abrupt shifts in tone or pace. M.J. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]