CHILD OF MY HEART

National Book Award winner McDermott serves up a deeply moving story told to us by 15-year-old Theresa, a much sought-after caretaker on Long Island's eastern tip. Her charges include rabbits, cats, babies, filthy and chaotic neighbors, and most especially her 8-year-old cousin, Daisy Mae, who loves Theresa better than a sister and is loved unconditionally in return. But it soon becomes apparent that Daisy is not well. She is pale and tired and bruises easily. Bernadette Dunne is a perfect choice for this narration. She is subtle and unobtrusive yet able to find just the right voice to communicate an entirely believable child, a skill that trips up many a reader. Her performance is slow and deliberate and full of the aching melancholy of lost innocence. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]