Songs of the Humpback Whale

Jodi Picoult's debut novel (1992)--a story of love, self-discovery, family crises, and trauma--is told from five points of view, a technique that makes it ideally suited to the audiobook format. While character identification at the start of each chapter is helpful in the print version, it becomes unnecessary in the audio as the ensemble voices are clearly distinguishable and the presenters quickly establish discernible identities. With each chapter there are not only shifts in viewpoint, but scene changes and flashbacks are also frequent. Here the skillful performances by the cast are most effective in allowing the listener to follow the action smoothly and maintain a connection with the characters. This first novel is enjoyable in its own right and should be particularly satisfying for Picoult fans. M.O.B. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2009
This audio production of "New York Times" best-selling author Picoult's (www.jodipicoult.com) 1992 debut novel is certainly ambitious. In typical Picoult fashion, the story, about a woman who flees her abusive past with her 15-year-old daughter in tow, is told from several characters' points of view. But the multiple perspectives and shifting time references that work so well for Picoult in print distract in audio format. Still, narrators Jim Colby, Liz Morton, Jonathan Davis, Carol Monda, and Chris Sorenson expertly interpret their parts in this complex family saga. Their performances, coupled with the general demand for Picoult's works, will drive circulation. For Picoult's many fans.Lisa Powell Williams, Moline P.L., IL

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