(Read by David Drummond, Tantor Media, 10 CDs, 12 hours and 30 minutes)
This is “Our Town” plus a heavy dose of magical realism. Set in Neawanaka on the Oregon coast, “Mink River” blends small-town life with nature and the oral traditions of local native Americans and Irish immigrants. This novel doesn’t so much tell a story as describe a place and a time. Lovely for its mythic undertones and intriguing characters, “Mink River” is unfortunately written in a staccato style that eventually annoys. David Drummond is a fine narrator and adds subtle nuances to the characters. Grade: B
