From the Publisher
"Jenna Lamia's luminous narration of a love like no other is profoundly affecting and transformative." -AudioFile
"[Jenna] Lamia, a talented reader, gives Elisa a vulnerable tone that’s almost heartbreaking...In addition to her flawless character voices, Lamia reads with increasing emotion and intensity as the story's tension builds. This is a beautifully written tale filled with lush descriptions and poetic language, perfect for savoring on audio. Listeners new to the story will be enchanted, but even those who've seen the movie will be drawn into this first-rate adaptation of the poignant tale." Booklist, Starred Review
Library Journal
★ 06/15/2018
This novelization of the Academy Award-winning film provides backstories for many characters, better placing the tale in the space race and social contexts of 1962 Baltimore. A fantastical creature from the Amazon, subject of Soviet and U.S. military interest, is held in Occam Labs. Elisa, who works as a cleaner at Occam and is attracted to the creature, enlists Dr. Bob Hoffstetler, Giles, and Zelda to help her free the creature from his captivity. Col. Richard Strickland is in charge of Occam and wants to destroy the creature to keep it from being examined by the Soviets. This is a wonderful fantasy given a very nice reading by Jenna Lamia, whose narration and voice characterizations add much to the audio's appeal. Patrons can decide for themselves if the book is more a companion to the movie, or the film more a companion to the book. VERDICT This audio is highly recommended for adult fantasy collections.—Cliff Glaviano, formerly with Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH
APRIL 2018 - AudioFile
Jenna Lamia’s luminous narration of a love like no other is profoundly affecting and transformative. Elisa Esposito is one of society’s outcasts, a scarred, mute woman who works nights as a janitor at Baltimore’s Occam Aerospace Research Center. One night, Elisa encounters a terrible secret, an amphibious Amazonian man who has been imprisoned and tortured in the name of science. Despite their differences, Elisa connects with the creature, forming a bond that transcends language and culture. Expertly giving voice to the characters’ innermost thoughts, Lamia reveals their courage and grit. Her characterization of Elisa is achingly beautiful as she gently portrays the woman’s distinctive blend of innocence and insight. Secondary characters, Elisa’s friends, who are also outcasts, are depicted in a way that highlights their magnificent loyalty and strength. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine