PRINCES

Twenty-one-year-old identical twins Indigo and Ravel Kesby live alone in a run-down, rat-infested mansion. Alternating viewpoints eventually lead the listener to understand the dark psychological underpinnings of their lives. Their bizarre relationship with their vanished parents and with each other descends into violence. Why is Indigo cutting up rats (and what else?) in the basement? What is the source of Ravel’s debilitating illness? The sinister atmosphere and convoluted cruelty would be impossible without Francis Greenslade’s remarkable narration. His steady pacing creates some distance from the horrific events. But it’s still hard to follow what is happening--as the twins share almost identical voices. This narration choice is appropriate as they begin to lose their individuality--but it only adds to the confusion of the flashbacks and asides. In the end, this shocking story is just too creepy for Greenslade to redeem. S.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]