ISBN: 1-7887-2517-3 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
At times touching and inspirational, the plot is burdened by excessive introspection.
Reviewed by David on October 17, 2004
Genre: Non-genre Fiction (Mystery)
Synopsis: Melissa Aubry is a very fragile woman. After the break-up of her marriage and recovering from a severe emotional disorder, she is traveling through Europe. The regimented schedule helps keep her on track as she struggles with fears and depression.
Her outwardly calm journey is still stressful for Melissa, but her real challenge comes when a package is given to her by an insistent fellow passenger, with a request to deliver it to an address in Majorca, Melissa's final European destination.
Melissa comes out of her shell in Copenhagen as she strikes up a friendship with an attractive man. But as she continues to travel, she must overcome not only her own fears but the very real enemies on her trail.
Full Review: The plot itself—a simplistic and implausible spy story—is mostly to support the emotional progress of the viewpoint character. As such, it serves its purpose adequately.
The author writes sensitively about a woman almost crippled by her insecurities and depression, but still generally functional. There are a number of lyricial or poignant moments as Melissa goes up and down on her internal roller coaster.
Unfortunately these touching moments are interspersed with lengthy internal monologue, which while necessary for the plot, sometimes becomes formulaic and repetitive.
The ending is very satisfying, in the best Gilman style. Alas, it takes some perseverance to get there.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1967, Recorded Books, 1999, Audio cassette, 5 cassettes
ISBN: 1-7887-2517-3 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com