HORSE

Five talented actors honor Geraldine Brooks’s fine new historical novel with unique and complementary performances. Inspired by the actual record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington, the story takes place in the 1850s, 1950, and 2019. James Fouhey gives the enslaved groom Jarret an affecting blend of defiance and devotion, and performs slave owners with a telling superiority. Graham Halstead’s mix of approachability and abruptness reveals the kindness and fragile social standing of Thomas Scott, the horse’s portraitist. Lisa Flanagan’s breezy energy offers a vibrant portrait of Martha, a 1950 gallery owner. Michael Obiora offers poignant determination as Theo, a Nigerian-American art historian. And Katherine Littrell gives Jess, a Smithsonian scientist, forthright exuberance that charms. Together, they create a gripping, memorable, and thought-provoking American tale. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2022]