Pictures from the Fire.

PICTURES FROM THE FIRE. Gaye Hicyilmaz, 2001. Read by Richard Aspel. 7 cds. 7.66 hrs. Bolinda. 1-74093-602-7. $56.00. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. SA

Emilia Radu, a Romanian Gypsy girl, about 10 years old, is caught between cultures after she and her family flee Bucharest in the wake of a fire and riot. Ceausescu, who consolidated his power in 1967, courts popularity by eliminating Gypsies. The terrible memories never leave Emilia as her family escapes to England, where her artistic talent attracts attention at school. She catches a glimpse of a better life. After another fire, the family live in a hostel for refugees. Here her parents lock her in while they beg; they accuse her of causing all their problems, making herself unmarriageable, and bringing shame on them. She fears men who draw swastikas, and she becomes friends with a Kurdish girl. Emilia nervously chews skin from her fingers, and she draws the story of her family in a book she hides carefully.

Hicyilmaz reveals unusual insight into the culture and family dynamics of a little known and little understood people. This reviewer felt it is unfortunate that the story's theme is Emilia's escape to a westernized life. Aspel's voicing is excellent and he has clear empathy for this beleaguered and mysterious family. Edna Boardman, Libn., Bismarck, ND