UNDERSTOOD BETSY

Narrator Anne Hancock gleefully captures the warm characters, charming humor, and colorful descriptions in this classic story, set in 1916 Vermont. When 9-year-old Betsy is orphaned, she's rescued by her overprotective city-dwelling Aunt Frances, and then is uprooted again to live in the country with the often maligned Putney side of her family. Hancock splendidly portrays fastidious Aunt Frances as well as the more casual Putney farmers. However, her best creation is Betsy herself, who positively blossoms on the Putney farm with its delightful animals and daily chores, such as churning butter and harvesting maple syrup. Listeners will enjoy walking through the state fair with Betsy--until she realizes she's missed her ride home. The conclusion is satisfying and fully believable. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2016]