SILENT THUNDER

Andrea Davis Pinkney’s book offers a snapshot of life in Civil War Virginia on the plantation of Gideon Parnell. Through chapters that alternate between Rosco and his younger sister, Summer, the listener becomes aware of the social hierarchy of Parnell’s plantation, the impact of the written word on a human being’s life, and the growing discontent of the slaves at this time. Pinkney underscores Summer’s awakening to the issue of slavery in contrast to Rosco’s conflict over how to honor his commitment to friend and family and, at the same time, be true to his personal need for freedom. Andrea J. Johnson and Peter Jay Fernandez exude the personalities of their characters--the exploration and wonder of Summer as she learns about herself and her family and the anguish of Rosco as he serves young Lowell Parnell, all the while reading about the opportunities of freedom. Their quiet intensity makes the actions and feelings of these young people real and memorable. A.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]