OWLS DO CRY

Janet Frame is one of New Zealand's literary treasures, and her first novel, OWLS DO CRY, published in 1957, is considered a masterpiece. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the novel chronicles the harrowing experiences of 14-year-old Daphne, diagnosed schizophrenic and confined to a mental institution. Much of Daphne's story unfolds in stream-of-consciousness ramblings, the hallucinatory, lyrical poetry that marks the music of madness. Heather Bolton's voice is soft and intriguing, a voice clearly from another world. When Daphne sings her poetry, Bolton's wispy, compelling school-girl soprano confirms that this book is a perfect fit for audio. Voices from the outside world come mainly from Daphne's sister, Teresa's, detailed diaries. Bolton handles the more grounded prose with ease, while making Daphne's surreal interior monologues strange, beautiful, and haunting. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]