LEEWAY COTTAGE

Elizabeth Marvel captures the subtleties and humor of Gutcheon’s fine novel of family and friendships. The guest book of Leeway Cottage, the Maine summer house that is the touchstone of several generations of the Brant family, follows the years from the ’30s through WWII to the present. The entries of comments by guests center the swirl of events and characters--a useful device especially in this abridgment. Marvel is perceptive of the carefully honed balance of emotions of the characters and brings them alive with voice and cadence. Marvel’s deft way with dialogue enhances the richness of the portraits. The men’s voices are distinctive and serviceable, if not perfect, but the many Danish and German names are spoken fluidly. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]