FABULOUS THINGS

When teenaged siblings Jack and Josie Raeburn escape their warped childhood home, they employ their good looks and intelligence in twisted ways to survive. Reader Edwina Wren's youthful voice is well suited for young Josie's perspective on her distorted relationship with her unstable brother. Somehow Josie's outlook on Jack's exploits makes sense because of their strange upbringing. Wren's straight read of Josie and Jack allows the strong plot and superb dialogue to shine. Some of the character voices seem forced, but this shortcoming does not detract from the story because of Wren's sensitive yet intense portrayal of Josie. Wren delivers the surprising ending with graceful understatement. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]