Sound Recommendations: Strong Stories, Strong Performances

If you haven't yet read Emma Donoghue's Frog Music, or even if you have, rush right out and get a copy of the unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio, 12 hr, 47 min) read by Kristine Hvam.

Based on a true, unsolved murder that took place in 1876 San Fransisco during a heat wave and smallpox epidemic, Frog Music introduces us to gambling trapeze artists; a cross-dressing frog hunter; and a horseback-riding, dancer/prostitute. Chance meetings, jealousy, greed, lust, love, and betrayal drive the story, which is much less mystery than it is a tale of self-discovery.

Hvam puts her theatrical background to good use with her believable characterizations and accents and expressive reading. Especially impressive is how easily she slips into song, adding a wonderful layer to Donoghue's emotional novel. Frog Music is meant to be listened to and the unabridged audiobook is unforgettable.

Although the subject matter is often rough (prison life, murder, child abuse), Rene Denfeld's The Enchanted is a haunting novel that makes you think about what happens to children who have no protectors. Set in a penitentiary for the worst offenders, the story is told through the eyes of one of the institution's most heinous criminals. Pretty boys, well-meaning parole officers, naive prison guards, and fallen priests must face the dark side of humanity on a daily basis.

The audiobook (Harper Audio; 7 hr, 4 min) is read by Jim Frangione, whose storytelling abilities shine in this production. He takes a nonjudgmental tone with just a hint of creepiness that leaves us with the responsibility to judge the principal protagonist. Frangione's characterizations are subtle but the emotional intensity of his narration is spellbinding, making us feel sympathy for individuals we should abhor.

Is there a clear division between good and evil? Can the unthinkable ever be forgiven? There are no easy answers, and the characters will remain with listeners for a long time after Frangione has finished the story.

Note: The original versions of these reviews were published by AudioFile magazine.