5.0 out of 5 stars
A tense dramatic story, April 14, 2009
This review is from: Testimony: A Novel (Audio CD)
Robert Perkoff and a cast of others narrate TESTIMONY, a powerful story of a dangerous, charged videotape containing the sexual acts of very young students which unleashes shame and dismay through a small community. Questions and danger arise in this tense dramatic story, perfect for audio libraries.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Very well done!, March 10, 2009
I just finished listening to this book on CD. The audiobook of Testimony was well-acted with a full cast of characters. The format of the book as it was written is perfect for a cast of individual voices. The actor who portrayed the 14 year old girl was so precisely right, and the one who portrayed Rob showed what a good kid he was just by the inflections of his voice. I was very impressed with the way the story unfolded, even though I metaphorically had my hand over my eyes so as not to see the train wreck. At the same time I couldn't not look. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Anita Shreve has a winner that the narrators made better, November 4, 2008
In this audio, a prestigious private school in Vermont is a powder keg ready to explode. Avery Academy's privileged students are carefully screened prior to entry and are the cream of the crop. While parents send their children to Avery to `avoid' the problems of public school system, the parties, alcohol, drugs and sex exist-and even the privileged are not exempt from trouble.
Mike, Avery's headmaster, has in his possession: a sex videotape. The people on the tape are underage students. The tape's very existence wrecks havoc with the school, students, parents and the community. Nothing will ever be the same.
The story is told from multiple points of view (students, parents, and a reporter) and Shreve's talent speaks to the success of her choice of storytelling methods. Only occasionally did I become confused with the numerous narrators. The story is primarily told from the perspective of Silas (basketball star), Noelle (a talented musician) and Mik,e the headmaster. The sex scandal raises questions, some that don't have answers-and we learn that it is only part of the story.
The beginning of the story is extremely graphic and may negatively impact the listener/readers. Keep going, and as the story develops, the harshness of the beginning will fade.
Shreve's novel is compelling, frightening and told in a manner that invites the reader to continue to listen as events unfold. I got lost in the story.
There are numerous narrators and their portrayals gave me the feeling of listening to a radio program. It was delightful and a good choice by the publisher. It's not that one narrator couldn't have done a good job, but the numerous voice actors added so much.
Armchair Interviews says: Another winner by Anita Shreve.
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