THE FORGETTING TREE

Even narration by accomplished narrator Joyce Bean is not enough to lift this ponderous family saga to the level of a satisfactory audio experience. While Soli's second novel features a multigenerational cast struggling to triumph over adversities and tragedies, the plot suffers from improbable twists and unbelievable characters. What ultimately causes the presentation to come to a standstill, however, is the surprising lack of dialogue and the sheer weight of seemingly endless descriptions. Bean's clear and brisk delivery, slightly marred by inconsistent pronunciations and strained attempts at accents and character differentiation, fails to bring intensity to a plodding text. In this instance the pairing of a talented author and skilled narrator disappoints. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]