Audio Review: Irises by Francisco X. Stork

Author: Francisco X. Stork 
Narrator:Carrington MacDuffie   
Title: Irises
Publisher: Listening Library   
Format:Unabridged Audio CD 
Length: 7 hrs, 28 mins 
Publication: 2012 
Source: Library

Two sisters discover what's truly worth living for in the new novel by the author of MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD.
TWO SISTERS: Kate is bound for Stanford and an M.D. -- if her family will let her go. Mary wants only to stay home and paint. When their loving but repressive father dies, they must figure out how to support themselves and their mother, who is in a permanent vegetative state, and how to get along in all their uneasy sisterhood.
THREE YOUNG MEN: Then three men sway their lives: Kate's boyfriend Simon offers to marry her, providing much-needed stability. Mary is drawn to Marcos, though she fears his violent past. And Andy tempts Kate with more than romance, recognizing her ambition because it matches his own. 
ONE AGONIZING CHOICE: Kate and Mary each find new possibilities and darknesses in their sudden freedom. But it's Mama's life that might divide them for good -- the question of *if* she lives, and what's worth living for.
IRISES is Francisco X. Stork's most provocative and courageous novel yet.

Thoughts: This is one I listened to months ago and couldn't get into it. The narration has a drowsy tone to it and I found myself easily distracted from it. Several times I would turn it off  and then return to it later just to take a break for a moment. This particular book does not lend well into the audio format and possibly would do well in print. The sound quality is good however, it just isn't for me. Now, the story itself is an interesting read about sisterly love and sacrifice. The sisters journey to discovering how to live their lives without sacrificing their family. When is it time to let a loved one go? Will the ultimate choice tear them apart, forever or strengthen them?This is what Kate and Mary must decide. Overall, this would be a good read about family.