THE FALSE FRIEND

Middle schoolers Celia and Djuna are best friends—until Djuna is abducted in the woods as Celia watches from her hiding place. Twenty years later Celia returns to her upstate New York home on a mission to absolve her guilt and regrets over that tragedy. Goldberg’s story also addresses girl bullying and the sometimes-tragic consequences of homecoming. Her youthfully lilting narration recreates events perfectly, as seen through the eyes of 11-year old Celia and her friends. She also delivers the subtly mature tones of family members and Celia’s grown-up peers. As Goldberg portrays Celia's desperate quest with a compelling depth of feeling, her nuanced voice reminds listeners that its traumatic origins lie in a horrific tragedy of youth. Goldberg's seasoned writing and delivery often tempt one to “relisten” to moments of her exquisite crafting of thought and experience. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2010]