MAGNIFICENCE

Xe Sands’s narration reflects the sense of foreboding and guilt that permeate the life of this novel’s main character, Susan. A new widow, whose husband discovered her infidelity shortly before he was murdered, Susan finds her life changes dramatically when she inherits a mansion from her uncle. There she experiences a strange feeling of belonging amid the myriad hunting trophies of every conceivable animal peering from the house’s many nooks and crannies. Sands presents a complex character whose complaints are balanced by a quirky sense of humor and musings on the meaning of life. Sands’s narration is nuanced, entertaining, and thoughtful as Susan emerges from her self-absorption and takes on the role of conservator of the house and its inhabitants. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2012]