LISTENING STILL

Narrator Nicola Coughlan brings a lovely lilting accent that enhances this contemporary Irish tale about the Mastersons, a family of undertakers whose ability to hear the dead comes in quite handy. Jeanie is startled out of her everyday life when her parents announce they are riding off into the sunset of their retirement. Coughlan captures Jeanie's dismay and disorientation in a convincing and sympathetic manner. Coughlan's true gift is her ability to deliver dialogue in a theatrical style. The quality of the listening experience is on par with that of a well-performed radio play in which one narrator flawlessly takes on all the roles. Coughlan shows her dexterity as various conflicts pull Jeanie's well-established routines apart. This is an enjoyable and interesting listening experience, thanks to both Coughlan's and Jeanie's talents. M.R. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]