A MIGHTY HEART

WALL STREET JOURNAL reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped in Pakistan in January 2002. Five weeks later, he was brutally murdered by his kidnappers, dashing the hopes of his family and the millions of people who had followed the attempts to gain his freedom. Suzanne Toren rises to the challenge of reading this personal account by Pearl’s wife. The tension is almost palpable, and then it increases. Toren lets the text speak for itself and does not overplay the narrator’s role. She is adept with the many place and people names in various languages. With a subtle touch, Toren brings out the humor and charm in the personal anecdotes about Pearl. She doesn’t ignore the strong emotions, but neither does she allow them to overcome this compelling story. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]