BURST

Mary Otis's debut novel examines a complicated, evolving mother-daughter relationship. Lisa Flanagan delivers an expressive narration without relying on character voices to bring the story to life. She employs pacing, emotion, and a precise tempo as she portrays Viva and her unconventional, unstable mother, Charlotte, who rely on the kindness of others for meals and housing throughout Viva's nomadic childhood. Flanagan expresses Viva's yearning for stability as her view of her mother's life shifts and changes. At that point, Viva begins to distance herself from Charlotte and works to avoid her mother's self-destructive choices. We hear regret, hurt, isolation, and yearning as Charlotte struggles to maintain their relationship. Otis's Author's Note shares truths that add to this story's realism. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2023]