PRIVATE RITES

Hannah van der Westhuysen gives a quiet, melancholic performance of this contemplative, grief-filled reimagining of KING LEAR. Set in a vague future of half-drowned cities and constant rain, the story revolves around three queer sisters after the death of their famous father, an architect. Estranged from him and each other, the three women navigate their romantic relationships, fears for the future, and complicated feelings about family. Van der Westhuysen captures the meandering, watery quality of the novel with their soft, almost musical narration. It can be hard to distinguish between the voices they give the three sisters at times, but this doesn't take away from the audiobook's beguiling spell. A sad and beautiful listen; Armfield fans will not be disappointed. L.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2024]