Pretty Baby

Starred review from June 15, 2015
Kubica follows her acclaimed debut, 2014’s The Good Girl, with a superb psychological thriller. Heidi Wood’s husband, Chris, and 12-year-old daughter, Zoe, are used to her rants about recycling, poverty, and literacy, as well as her endless, depressing stories about the immigrants and refugees she meets through the Chicago nonprofit for which she works. But her family didn’t expect Heidi to invite homeless teen Willow Greer and her infant, Ruby, to live with them. Heidi, whose dreams of a large family ended when she had a hysterectomy to save her life, becomes obsessed with Willow and especially Ruby, even as her marriage frays and she ignores Zoe. Afraid that Willow could be violent, Chris tries to find out her background and whether Ruby is even her baby. A series of flashbacks shift among the points of view of Heidi, Chris, and Willow as this heartbreaking tale about obsession, foster care, and the debilitating effects of unacknowledged grief builds to a stunning conclusion. 10-city author tour. Agent: Rachael Dillon Fried, Greenburger Associates.

Three narrators' voices weave together, creating the fabric of a story that revolves around Heidi (collector and protector of stray creatures); her husband, Chris; and Willow, the mysterious teen mother whom Heidi shelters. Taking turns, Cassandra Campbell, Tom Taylorson, and Jorjeana Marie expertly build the tension of this hypnotic psychological thriller. As we collect disconcerting clues about Willow's past, we inexorably piece together what's ahead for the trio. The three-part narration works well, helping listeners keep characters straight and emphasizing the collision of their stories (though listeners may wish for a slightly more youthful sounding Willow). As a simple act of kindness becomes more and more complex, listeners will be enthralled, then chilled by the twists and turns. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine