THE ACCIDENTALS

Cassandra Campbell's sensitive narration draws listeners into this story of two unplanned pregnancies in 1950s-60s Mississippi and their repercussions on the McAlister family. Campbell captures the uncertainty and impulsivity of adolescence as she portrays the McAlister sisters, who are at the heart of this multigenerational story. She modulates the tone and pitch of her soft voice to express the older Grace's sad but rebellious nature and the younger June's thoughtful demeanor. Their benignly neglectful father, Holly, is depicted in a detached tone, a high pitch evokes their shrill Aunt Frances, and the other secondary characters are all fully realized. References to nature, especially birds, add complexity. While Campbell's languid pacing occasionally distracts from this involving audiobook, overall her delivery is masterful. M.J. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2019]