TEARS OF THE MOON

One of Australia’s most popular novelists presents a stirring saga featuring an array of strong women of all ages and nationalities. In 1893, Olivia Hennessy, an English woman, journeys to Australia and joins the pearl trade. In 1995, Lily Barton leaves Sydney to try to piece together her family history. She discovers Olivia’s journal, which unfolds the family’s story, full of joy and sorrow and focusing on Olivia as a strong, believable character. Narrator Kate Hood does the unexpected in making an extraordinary story even more compelling. Every character, including Aborigines, Aussies, Asians, and Europeans, is splendid and distinct. Hood’s delivery never falters despite the vast historical and emotional range of the book. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]