LOST

Cindy Carver imagines the worst when her 21-year-old daughter disappears like a blip on the giant radar screen of life. Lindsay Ellison's spirited narration keeps this story moving and engaging, without calling attention to itself. She gives the ungrateful 21-year-old the self-absorbed, in-your-face attitude that makes the listener wish she'd stay missing. Cindy's mother sounds appropriately cloying and annoying, and her sister enters the competitive grievance war with gusto. Cindy's ex-husband comes across arrogantly enough, even in the parts where he takes advantage of his inebriated and grieving ex. And her lover inspires delicious licentious thoughts. It's too bad the story's ending shortchanges this noteworthy performance. R.P.L.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]