HEIR TO THE GLIMMERING WORLD

Orphaned at age 18, Rose Meadows becomes assistant to German Professor Rudolph Mitwisser, who emigrated to America with his eccentric family in the 1930s. The Mitwissers are befriended by James A'Bair, whose life story is equally unusual. The novel is touching and compelling, and Ozick's writing is both brilliant and dense. Julie Dretzin is an ideal reader. Although she sounds youthful and innocent, Dretzin infuses Rose's character with an intensity that demonstrates wisdom beyond her years. She smoothly conveys Rose's youthful naïveté while allowing her to confront the complex events that seemingly overwhelm the Mitwissers. She handles the book's numerous foreign accents with ease, and her portrayal of Dr. Tandoori is especially memorable. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]