Her Body and Other Parties

Narrator Amy Landon's candid performance allows the women of Machado's short story collection to speak for themselves. Landon skillfully balances humor, sorrow, and a myriad of other emotions as she draws out the complexities of these women's physical and emotional lives. "The Husband Stitch," reminiscent in some ways of Alvin Schwartz's retelling of "The Green Ribbon," includes read-aloud directives, though Landon doesn't demonstrate them. Landon strikes the right blend of fear and anger as women struggle to hold onto themselves during an epidemic afflicting women in "Real Women Have Bodies." In "Inventory," Landon's reflective tone mirrors the protagonist's attitude as she recounts people she knew before and after a disease ravages the populace. Fantastical and horrific elements woven throughout these contemporary tales ensure they'll leave an indelible mark on listeners. J.R.T. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine