BEHELD

Four narrators recount this fictitious, challenging account of America's early settlers in Plymouth Colony. Bea Holland voices Alice Bradford, the governor's wife, with a slight lilt reminiscent of her European roots and the quiet confidence of her position. Laurel Lefkow portrays Eleanor Billington, the outcast's wife, with a bit of force and a fearfulness that grows when her husband is charged with murdering a newcomer. Lance C. Fuller presents the men's chapters, portraying John Billington's grudge-laden anger and the newcomer's naïve optimism as he unwittingly claims the land coveted by Billington. The governor's first young wife, Dorothy, is sweetly and wistfully narrated by Crystal Clarke. BEHELD is a relevant novel for this time when many Americans are reconsidering our definitions of citizenship, tolerance, and personal freedom. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2020]