CRANFORD

This peek at small-town life in Victorian England opens with the delightful statement that the village of Cranford "is in possession of the Amazons." Women own the finer homes, and few gentlemen are in residence. Frequent visitor Mary Smith relates the Cranford happenings. Reader Nadia May lends an authentic air to the women’s complaints about bonnets and servants, adding a somber note when the villagers experience death and robbery. The women reveal their true characters when the respected Miss Jenkins faces financial ruin. Ironically, it’s a man who rescues this "Amazon" from her plight. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]