THIS SHINING LIFE

An ensemble of talented narrators enhances the humanity of the family members in Harriet Kline's beautifully conceived novel. After Rich is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, the shock reverberates through the lives of his wife, Ruth; his son, 11-year-old Ollie, who's on the autism spectrum; Rich's parents, Marjorie and Gerald; Ruth's mother, Angran (Ollie's combining of Angela and Grandma); and Ruth's sister, Nessa. Delivered in crisp, insightful monologues, all the narrations are top-notch--but Sam Newton, as Ollie, is superb. Newton offers a completely believable first-person account of a child with autism who is searching for meaning in his dad's death. Mary Jane Wells makes Ruth's depression real, and Jenny Sterlin's flawless performance as cantankerous Angran delivers her unsentimental coping strategies. This audiobook is a must-listen. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]