AUDIO

Under the Wide and Starry Sky

by Nancy Horan
14 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 17 hrs. Books on Tape. 2014. ISBN 9780449808122. $50; 14 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
COPY ISBN
The marriage of Fanny Van der Grift Osbourne and Robert Louis Stevenson (RLS) and the quest for health that sent the couple from Scotland to Switzerland, France, the United States, and Samoa provide the basis for this interesting novel. RLS wrote his essays, poetry, and novels and read them aloud with relish while Fanny wrote, critiqued, nursed, worried, and made homes in each location. The words seem to come straight from their letters and journals, with the license of a novelist to infer motives. Kirsten Potter narrates the story with energy as befits the courageous Fanny and playfulness that brings Louis to life. Fanny's no-nonsense American accent and pace contrast with Louis's tuneful Scottish lilt. Potter's pacing and accents bring the minor characters into focus as well.
VERDICT Recommended. ["The many fans of Loving Frank will flock to this novel, but those looking for a deep character study of either Stevenson or Osbourne may come away dissatisfied," countered the review of the Ballantine hc, LJ 10/1/13.]
Reviewed by Juleigh Muirhead Clark, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Lib., Colonial Williamsburg Fdn., VA , May 01, 2014
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