UGLIES

Narrator Carine Montbertrand guides listeners through a complex future world in which teenagers like Tally Youngblood wait eagerly for the operation that will turn them "pretty." Numerous distinct voices, including those of urbanites and runaways, evoke this chilling tale of a dystopian society. Especially memorable are the icy voices of the government agents who hound enemies of the state with ferocity. As Tally wrestles with her decision to betray her runaway "ugly" friends, Montbertrand's consistent reading never lessens the dramatic tension or the depth of the conflict. While the story is compelling, it is not enhanced by the audio production. A distracting echo in the cassette version detracts from the compelling story and is a consideration for listeners. C.A. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]