MOTHER DOLL

Christina Delaine's Russian accent is without equal in this expansive family story. Zhenia awaits the birth of her first child at the same time that she anticipates the loss of her beloved grandmother. Out of the blue, she is contacted by a psychic who offers her the opportunity to communicate with her great-grandmother, whose story provides context for Zhenia's own personal struggles. Delaine's performance is well wrought, but the story's extensive descriptions and methodical exposition, as well as the presence of a kind of ghost chorus, require some patience. Delaine is skilled at pace and inflection, and her shifts in dialogue are fine, so dedicated listeners will enjoy the result. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]