THE GIFTS

Tuppence Middleton transports listeners to Victorian England with her sublime narration of this story of four women and the man who may destroy them all. An unidentified woman's body, with wings attached, is pulled from the Thames. Soon after, two other winged women are found. A young scientist, desperate to make a name for himself, will capture and exploit these women, risking his marriage and everyone's well-being. Middleton expertly portrays the scientist's descent into obsession and madness while conveying the terror, confusion, and outrage of the captives. Likewise, listeners will feel the wife's confusion and sense of betrayal as she grapples with her husband's changing personality. The fourth woman, who is investigating the scientist, must fight societal norms, and Middleton captures her spirit and resolve. L.M.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2023]