LIBERATING PARIS

Veteran television writer Bloodworth Thomason ("Designing Women") delivers another entertaining and poignant story about everyday people in the South. Middle age brings new challenges to a circle of old friends in Paris, Arkansas, and narrator Cynthia Darlow embodies each with depth. Dr. Wood McIlmore struggles to maintain his role as the stable core of the group, despite the desire to rekindle an old love affair, while his gorgeous wife, Milan, puts on a good face--or at least a good designer suit. Darlow expertly handles the dumpy and pushy Mavis Pinkerton, who is desperate for a sperm donor. Barlow manages to maintain warmth between the vivid characters and a delightful pace for the listener. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]