THE DIARY

In this charming novel, a pair of sisters must confront a reality that all offspring find distasteful: Their parents had interesting, if hidden, lives before their children were born. Discovering their mother's diary shortly before her death, Sarah and Emily find that her life wasn't what they'd believed; perhaps even their late father wasn't who they think he was. Susan Ericksen's narration deepens the listeners' bonds to the characters and captures the rainbow of emotions unfurled as the sisters decipher the mystery of their parents' romance. Along the way, they discover truths about themselves as well, through dialogue warmly depicted by Ericksen. Her strong reading makes this novel one listeners will want to speed through, while hoping it never ends. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]