JIP: HIS STORY

Jip, a swarthy "gypsy" boy, found in 1847 on the West Hill Road in rural Vermont, was raised on the town poor farm. As Jip struggles to uncover his identity, John McDonough slips deeply into the boy's inquisitive, contemplative sensibilities. The screeching of Old Berthie; the slow-witted drawl of Jip's beloved friend, Sheldon; the cruel injunctions of farm manager Otis Lyman; the officious tones of Mrs. Lyman; the menacing overtures of the Stranger; and the wise counsel of Put, town lunatic and surrogate father, are read in highly differentiated voices. McDonough's enthusiastic rendering of Put's favorite hymns enlivens the character of Put and further endears him to the listener. Fine historical fiction superbly read. T.B. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAR/APR 98]