EMILY, ALONE

Emily Maxwell, widowed for almost a decade and nearing 80, has her routine down to a science: Tuesday breakfast with her sister-in-law; early service on Sunday; and long days with her dog, the radio, and library books. Narrator Andrea Gallo flawlessly complements author O'Nan's outstanding character study as she portrays all of Emily’s facets—from the critical Emily who assesses post–funeral-service meals to the no-nonsense Emily who puts her affairs in order and the private Emily who coos to her dog. Gallo's unaffected style accentuates the emotional complexities of a vibrant older woman who honors family traditions and reflects on her youth yet boldly holds fast to a future-oriented outlook and the possibility of new experiences. This is a refreshing and surprisingly uplifting look at aging middle-class women in America. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2011]