NUMBER THE STARS

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johannesen becomes involved in the evacuation of Jews from Denmark when her family hides her friend, Ellen Rosen, and then aids in her escape. Annemarie learns about the meaning of bravery and the necessity of being protected by lies from loved ones in a time of life-threatening secrets. With vocal versatility, Blair Brown portrays the soft-spoken Johannesens, as well as the loud, brutal Nazis. When important conversations take place, she lowers her voice to cue listeners to pay closer attention. The combination of Brown's steady voice and Lowry's dramatic story creates a mesmerizing production. J.F.M.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]