cover image Daughter of Deep Silence

Daughter of Deep Silence

Carrie Ryan, read by Karissa Vacker. Listening Library, unabridged, 8 CDs, 9.5 hrs., $50 ISBN 978-1-101-91516-5

As narrator Vacker performs this revenge tale, her voice portrays tightly wound intensity, smug satisfaction, and heightened fear, all depending on where the story takes her. Francis has spent four years plotting revenge upon the people responsible for the death of her family and her dear friend, who were killed when armed men attacked the cruise ship they were on. Francis and Libby escaped in a life raft, but Libby died after a week on the ocean. A senator and his son were the only other survivors, and they have been lying about what happened on the ship. Francis was taken in by Libby's father and given Libby's identity to protect her from the attackers. Four years later, and Francis is ready to take her revenge on the senator and his family. The story starts strong, then turns rather unbelievable. Vacker holds it together and reads with the same energy and intent throughout. She channels quaking fear, calm certainty, shameless mendacity, earnest longing, and bitter rage, sometimes all emanating from the same character, and she manages this extraordinary feat while keeping listeners rapt to this over-the-top revenge tale. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. A Dutton hardcover. (May)