LIFE MASK

A tale of love and intrigue in Regency England, LIFE MASK includes a host of beau monde characters, including the most famous comedienne in London, her suitor, who is the richest peer in the realm, and an aristocratic female sculptor. Love triangle, anyone? Donada Peters excels, as always, in creating individual characterizations for the major characters. The peer is audibly humane, proud, and needy; the actress is charming, yet brittle with determination; the sculptress is both languid with social confidence and tense with unfulfilled eroticism. Peters's narrative skill is essential and enlightening. She guides us through the thickly written book, reading the details of history and manners with a light touch that keeps us interested, while never letting us lose the plotline of power and passion. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 05]