Eternal on the Water

Narrator Neil Shah's subtle modulations and definitive pacing resonate as Henry unveils the story of how he met free spirit Mary while on a sabbatical researching the life of Thoreau. He finds her totally beguiling--but soon begins to suspect she has a secret. Shah conveys Henry's personality with a steadiness that brings out his contemplative nature, while a lilt in his voice reveals Mary's earthy optimism, even in light of her dark secret. While Shah manages passable Australian and Indonesian accents, his mostly unembellished narration conveys the beauty and mystery of the Maine wilderness and emphasizes the relationship between the two soul mates. M.F. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

February 15, 2010
Henry David Thoreau meets Nicholas Sparks in this poignant love story rooted in the forests of Maine. On sabbatical, prep school teacher Jonathan Cobb's only goal is to retrace Thoreau's historic 92-mile journey along the Allagash Waterway by kayak, little realizing that, like Thoreau, he will soon "front only the essential facts of life" after meeting Mary Fury on his first night camping. An experienced, exuberant outdoorswoman, Mary invites Cobb to join her for a lecture at the Chungamunga camp for girls suffering with medical illnesses. There, Cobb is impressed by the camaraderie of the group, drawn in by their emphasis on creativity, mythology and survival skills. His growing feelings for Mary are put to the test when she reveals that she's suffering from Huntington's disease, and details the condition's debilitating path. Though the plot sometimes drags through Monninger's numerous digressions, his keen eye for nature, subtle incorporation of indigenous myths and use of symbolism make for a memorable story of love and courage.