Game of Queens: A Novel of Vashti and Esther

This story begins with Daniel and the deportation of selected Jews to Babylon circa 600 BCE. Daniel recounts his experiences in Nebuchadnezzar's and subsequent kings' courts, before finally moving to Shushan, the Persian capital. Years later, Queen Vashti, her eunuch Hegai, and Esther enter the story. The four leading roles are ably narrated by Adam Grupper, Soneela Nankani, Laura Knight Keating, and Kevin Orton. Grupper characterizes Daniel's curiosity and cleverness with an attractive tenor, speeding up the tempo during the excitement of the lions' den, then slowing it down for the wise old man who advises the young characters. High voiced and breathless, Vashti (Keating) the child bride of King Ahasuerus, is never allowed to grow up and only after divorce finds her adult voice. Hegai (Orton), tortured by the ill-treatment by his guardian, grows old too fast, and his voice is measured, never showing excitement. Esther (Nankani) is a serious young woman who understands that the world can be a bitter place. Her lower voice demonstrates caution and self-awareness.