Seaweed Chronicles

Listening to Laural Merlington narrate these pieces--which reflect on the quietly central role seaweed plays in the life of the ocean and in our own earthly lives--is strangely addictive. Merlington's calmly intense delivery of Maine writer Shetterly's insights offers a sense of conviction and urgency without ever hitting a strident note. Merlington's mature thoughtfulness is well suited to the material, which is sometimes educational, sometimes inspirational, and always beautiful to listen to. Her excellent articulation, vocal variation, and lively tone make this production easy on the ear--which is especially helpful during the scientific parts, such as when she's offering the dictionary definitions of a variety of seaweed species. Part elegiac tribute, part urgent call to arms, these chronicles invite us to pay attention to nature and to live with intention. J.C.G. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine