Strange Gods

Jacoby describes the development of Western religions and their practitioners, as well as the common reasons for religious conversions. Surprisingly, she does so from a secular, and often personal, perspective. Elizabeth Wiley narrates this complex work in steady, crisp tones, differentiating quotations from the narrative by slight shifts in pitch. The book begins with the rise of monotheism, including forced conversions under the Inquisition, and ends with a look at contemporary Islamic fundamentalism. While chronological, the history sporadically loops back to review earlier topics. Wiley's too consistent narration lacks emotional touchpoints, eventually becoming a recitation broken only by the author's personal comments. In this way, the audiobook challenges listeners as it delves into the complicated, emotional topic of conversion by extreme persuasion and by choice. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine