DAKOTA OF THE WHITE FLATS

Very British in flavor, this rather grotesque fantasy strikes one as the work of a Roald Dahl imitator who, while he has his moments, lacks the master's touch. Plucky, preadolescent Dakota Pink and her best friend, Treacle, make high adventure out of life in a surrealistic setting of urban poverty, surrounded by eccentric and largely incompetent adults. Josie Lawrence sets this often clumsy effort in the best possible light with an enthusiastic reading that makes the most of every bit of color and wit. Roald Dahl it isn't, but it's a cut above almost anything on television. J.N. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]