Our Lady of the Forest - Brief Article - Audiobook Review

Kliatt, March, 2004 by Nola Theiss

David Guterson. 2003. Read by Blair Brown. 8--1.5 hour tapes, Random House Audio. 0-7366-9429-3. $64.00, Vinyl; content notes. SA

Writing about a modern visionary is not an easy task in a world that seems torn between true believers and cynics. In this novel, Guterson tells the story of Anne Holmes, a 16-year-old runaway who is sickly, homeless and beset by an uncaring family, molestation and drugs. Working as a mushroom picker in the forests of Washington, she has a vision of the Virgin Mary and feels she must fulfill the message she is given. She attracts followers and hangers-on and stretches the faith of the young local priest who becomes her protector and her inquisitor.

The author deals with questions of saintliness and evil in the context of the story and our modern world. He also deals with questions of the existence of God. Brown's mellifluous voice flows like honey, but can sting with an appropriate sharpness when called for. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL