Caught in the Crossfire.

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE. Alan Gibbons. 2003/2005. Read by Chris Hoban. 7 cds. 8 hrs. Bolinda Audio. 1-74093-724-4. $56.00. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. S

This production provides excellent insight into the tensions between Muslim and non-Muslim British citizens. It focuses on the lives of four teenagers. Rabia and Tahir are the lovingly raised siblings of a British wife and Pakistani father. Tahir is volatile and angry at the prejudice he faces, while Rabia is levelheaded and open. Mike and Liam are brothers brought up by an abusive alcoholic father and downtrodden mother. Liam is drawn to a neo-Nazi organization focused on inciting hatred between whites and Asians. Tahir leans towards Muslim fundamentalism. Mike and Rabia meet at a book club and fall in love against a backdrop of escalating tensions that lead to rioting. While the characters and plot are somewhat stock and the writing a bit long on dialog and short on description and sensory detail, the story is engaging.

Hoban gives an excellent, British-enunciated performance. The fast-paced action and drama will appeal to YAs and provide insight into a sad international situation that seems to grow worse daily. Nancy Crowder Chaplin, Libn., VCCW, Goochland, VA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.