GRANDMOTHERS' STORIES Wise Woman Tales From Many Cultures

Both the familiar and the unusual grace this collection of stories honoring wise older women. The listener will nod with remembrance as one old woman's fine rice cakes bring her a red magic paddle and as another's job switch with her husb-and brings startling realizations to the latter. Ears will perk up for the arrival of a genie at the midwife's abode or the water spirits at the end of a laborer's long day. Through each tale kindness, cleverness, and wisdom shine. Olympia Dukakis's presentation creates the visual image of one reading to adoring listeners. Her voice is evenly modulated, and she introduces new story elements slowly, accelerating when there is repetition or a growing sense of urgency. Dukakis takes as much pleasure in each story as the listener will. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]