COCKTAIL HOUR UNDER THE TREE OF FORGETFULNESS

This title is not directly the author’s memoir but that of her parents and their adventures in various parts of Africa. This ambitious work by the author of DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT is capably delivered by Bianca Amato. She ably switches between male and female characters and actually sings lines of the various songs that these larger-than-life family members break into throughout the narrative. Much of the focus is on Fuller’s mother, whose thoughts and sayings Amato delivers in ringing tones that allow the listener to develop a distinct picture of “Mum.” Amato’s vaguely British accent gives the effect of the colonial attitudes that prevailed in Africa during this time period. Amato even tackles the Sri Lankan servant’s accent, further demonstrating her versatility as a narrator and why she is the ideal choice for this rambling and lively book. M.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2011]