THE EXILES

What was anticipated as a dismal summer at home in a house turned upside down by renovations turns out to be full of adventure when the four Conroy girls are packed off to join "Big Grandma." When this feisty character sends them outside for exercise and chores, Ruth, Naomi, Rachel, and Phoebe are consternated without their beloved reading time. Surely there must be something besides Shakespeare or a cookbook to read. As the girls unravel this unlikely situation and make a neighborhood acquaintance, they also come to understand their grandmother more fully. Sophie Aldred knows the interplay of siblings well--the whines, the pouts, the jubilation of acceptance. The edge in her voice highlights the tension between the generations and keeps the listener fully engaged. A.R.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]