Curve of the World (Highbridge Distribution)

Stevens, Marcus

ISBN 10: 156511633X ISBN 13: 9781565116337

Publisher: Highbridge Audio, 2002

Synopsis

"Where?" someone yells, "Where are we landing?" "Africa. Somewhere."

A plane in trouble, a terrifying plummet into the depths of an African jungle, and capture by rebel military troops—all in just the first chapter of this brilliant debut novel by Marcus Stevens. The Curve of the World, a page-turner in the truest sense of the word, is a riveting story about survival and losing and regaining love across both physical and psychological borders.
 

Lewis' day begins with a bitter quarrel with his wife and ends on a crumbling, overgrown jungle airstrip somewhere deep in war-torn Congo. With the cockpit on fire, the pilots of his plane make an emergency landing and within hours the plane is seized by rebel troops. Lewis' flight into the rainforest saves him from one danger only to propel him into an even more terrifying place—a world without rules and no apparent way out. His desperate struggle to survive hunger, intense heat, and thirst forces Lewis to confront his deepest fears and greatest disappointments: his failing relationships with his wife and his blind seven-year-old son. When his wife makes a daring decision to search for him in Africa, The Curve of the World becomes a gripping, heartrending tale about regaining love and conviction.

About this title

Review

Marcus Stevens's debut novel, The Curve of the World, opens on a cinematic note: An Air France flight rapidly descends over the dense African landscape. The cockpit fills with smoke. Passengers brace for an emergency landing. Although the unlikely premise of this adventure tale--an American Coca-Cola businessman named Lewis Burke is lost in the rainforests of the Congo; his estranged wife and blind 7-year-old son fly to Africa to rescue him--sounds straight out of Hollywood, the story itself is surprisingly well written, unfolding with the grim beauty of a modern-day Heart of Darkness. Even Lewis's inevitable bout with malaria and the attentions of an elderly ndoki (witch) seem believable, set against the author's deft depictions of war-ravaged villages, the poverty and resourcefulness of the rural Congolese, and the complicated politics of the region. Stevens is less sure-handed where ordinary human relations are concerned. He underestimates the caution of mothers (it is hard to believe that Lewis's wife's own elderly mother urges her to go to Africa to find Lewis, and harder still to imagine the young woman bringing her handicapped child to a war zone) and overestimates the kindness of strangers. This is a gripping story nonetheless and a complex, accomplished debut. --Regina Marler

About the Author

SEAN RUNNETTE is a multiple Earphones winner, including one for his narration of The Curve of the World (with Highbridge Audio). He has also directed and produced more than 200 audiobooks including several AudieŽ Award winners. He is an American Repertory Theater company member and has toured internationally with Mabou Mines. TV and film appearances include Two if by Sea, Copland, Sex and the City, Law and Order, 3rd Watch and lots and lots of commercials. When not behind the mike, he also produced audiobooks and other works.

About this edition

• Publisher: Highbridge Audio
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 156511633X
• ISBN 13: 9781565116337
• Binding: Audio CD
• Number of pages: 360