Understudy

By: Carole Bellacera

Narrated by: Angie Hickman

Robin Mulcahey has always dreamed of being a big-time actress. As a college student, she took endless drama classes and finally snagged the lead of Maggie in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Now, six years later, she's one of the country's hottest soap-opera stars. She's just won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of South Riding's bad girl, and now when it seemed life couldn't get any more perfect, she's wed Declan Blair, an up-and-coming Irish film actor.

So what's the problem?

Robin Mulcahey is dead. She was killed in a devastating car wreck in 1996 while riding with her best friend Amy Shiley. Amy, battered beyond recognition in the accident, was mistaken for Robin and has played the role of Robin Mulcahey ever since. But Amy's never been able to forget the love she shared with Paul Mulcahey, Robin's older brother.

If you had the chance to become someone else, would you take it?

©2003, 2013 Carole Bellacera (P)2014 Carole Bellacera

A refreshing & original concept that surprised me!

Would you consider the audio edition of Understudy to be better than the print version?

Absolutely! The narrator, Angie Hickman, breathes life into the material with a truly excellent performance. Each character could be understood clearly, but also differentiated enough from the other characters so that it was easy to follow the dialog and complex plot.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Understudy?

There are several moments in "Understudy" that are worthy of mention. The most memorable part of the book for me, would have to be the moment that Amy realizes that life isn't always greener on the other side. I know how cliché that sounds but for Amy, she really has a 'come to Jesus' moment and really begins to examine her choices and trying to separate herself from the Robin persona she has adopted and developed.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to give away anything so I will be vague here. My favorite scene is when "Robin" and her brother and her father have a "heart to heart" at his office. I love that part!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I actually did listen to this book all in one sitting. It's not a very long book and it does read really quickly once you get into it.

Any additional comments?

I was provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Deception that takes on a life of its own

This book started out slow for me. I felt the building of Amy and Robin’s friendship took more time than I would have liked and added considerable length/listening time. I understood the reason for this was to call attention to details that would have greater significance later on in the story. Robin was never a likeable person to me, and the narrator chose to give her an annoying voice (which matched her personality). That voice softened throughout the story but was tough to tolerate in the beginning.

The story became intriguing once the accident takes place and more so when Robin makes a life for herself, separate from who her heart desires. I wasn’t expecting her deception to take on the longevity that it did. Bringing in the character of Declan further threw me and had me fixated not only on where the plot was going but how it would end. This was my favorite part of the story, and a good reason for that was not only because of his personal issues, which becomes a significant turning point for the main characters, but because the narrator really shined when she captured his Irish accent.

Although I was happy with the ending, I do feel the plot went on too long and was essentially too far- fetched for me. The setting is in the 1990’s, and the medical/surgical aspects didn’t fit in respect to capability. Modern methods may have delivered the smooth, beautiful outcome achieved (not only once but twice) but I don’t think results in the 90’s were as efficient. Then there's the moral turmoil Paul had to overcome which was discomforting even after everything was said and done.

In this family everyone has a secret

What was one of the most memorable moments of Understudy?

When Declan tells Amy who he truly loves, I had my suspicions but was still surprised.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

In the end when Amy and Paul confront Paul’s Father about what he’d done to Robin, It’s hard not to cry for that scene.

Understudy

Any additional comments?

I had a hard time pausing this audiobook. I just never knew what would happen next, each chapter I was on there was highs and lows twist and turns so far this is the second ebook of Carole Bellacera and they are both a 5 star. She is an excellent author

Interesting, but slow moving

This is a really interesting story and a great concept. It just moves so slowly!

It starts off with the accident and how the mix-up occurred. Then we move to the flashback of their first meeting and everything leading up to the accident. This took a lot of time building, maybe too much time. Really I can't pick anything I would cut, it has meaning, it just drags.

Moving forward the story has many other flashbacks to give meaning to the scenes. It really is a great story and such a dilemma. There are many morally grey areas, especially concerning the relationship with the brother. It is borderline taboo.

I was intrigued with everything, it is so hard to do this without spoilers!! In the end I felt the resolution was real-ish and worked. My favorite part of the is book was dishy Declan, and I loved his ending!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Angie Hickman who does a great job. She is challenged with the task of having to voice one character two very different ways. First as herself, then as the mimic of her friend. As Amy she has a nice down to earth tone, really solid and like-able. As Robin, she is kind of annoying, but that is toned down after the accident, thank goodness. Ms Hickman has a great pace and keeps the story moving, even in the slower parts. Loved her accents!!

Disclosure - I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.