MANITOULIN MEMORIES

These 1950s coming-of-age stories set on Canada's Manitoulin Islands are delivered with verve by narrator Wyntner Woody. The nameless Indiana family who moved to the islands for a better life found hardship and challenges. Son Jimmy's reactions upon returning after 30 years are deftly re-created as he finds great change amid memories both good and bad. Depictions of nature's beauty--and threat--are dynamically portrayed, and descriptions of luscious food (maple syrup, berry pie, fried bread) and the smell of diesel fuel literally transport listeners. Each well-rendered story, with an evocative title such as "Torchlight," "The Hoax," and "Dire Straits," presents a compelling look at how modernization and tourism have changed this once pristine spot. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]