Who Would Have Guessed? Brewmaking?

Audiobook jewel case

During my recent long drive to visit one of my sons for the holidays, I listened to an audio book gifted by another son and daughter-in-law.  I have to begin by saying I loved this book The Brewer’s Tale, by Karen Brooks, and its narrator, Hannah Norris. Since I’ve considered recording audiobooks to extend the reach of my books, I found such a prize of particular interest.

First, the author deserves congratulations on her detailed and broad research.

Her description of ale- and beer-making in the 15th Century is impressive. As a reader, I could see the brewhouse, smell the ale, visualize the process—start to finish.
The roles and restraints of women become painfully clear as Anneke Sheldrake, after her father is lost at sea, seeks a way to support her family.
As the book progresses, we see the power and corruption of the Church playing out in the tragedies Anneke and her family suffer.
We learn much about the politics and commerce of western Europe and the British Isles.

But research is not Ms. Brooks only forte. I found her plot riveting. When I stopped for the night, I would sit in the car and listen until the end of a chapter, and sometimes the next. NPR calls them “driveway moments.” I had them when I stopped for gas or a meal, as well as sleep.

Brooks’ characters are well drawn, sympathetic people who seize your attention and refuse to let go.  Brooks has a large cast of characters and she manages every one with skill.  Amazing from this distance in time is Brooks’ ability to distinguish her rural characters from the urban people of London.

Thoughts of character brings me to the narrator, Hannah Norris. What a performance! Did I mention the large cast of characters? Yet Ms. Norris depicts them all with spirit. I was sometimes taken back by her ability to speak in the voice of a young, hesitant woman in one moment and switch to the voice of a corrupt, threatening priest in the very next. Kudos to the actor.

Overall, I highly recommend The Brewer’s Tale by Karen Brooks.  If you can work listening time into your busy schedule, you won’t be sorry if you hear it , narrated by Hannah Norris, rather than read it.