THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS

Clayton's novel is superior to many other novels that portray female bonding. This literate, compelling story tracks the lives of five young moms who meet on a California playground in the late '60s. The characters seem very real, and narrator Julie Dretzin breathes life into them from the opening of the story. Her depiction of Kath, the former Southern belle, is especially convincing. Listeners will come to care about this group of young women, who have literary ambitions, along with interests that predate the women’s movement, such as the Miss America pageant. As in real life, there are moments of triumph, sorrow, irony, and happiness. Listening to this is like catching up with old friends. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]