TIME'S A THIEF

Firmani has crafted a truthful coming-of-age story filled with complex emotions and credible situations. Francesca "Chess" Varani is in her first year at Barnard College in 1980s New York. Narrator Emily Rankin illuminates Chess's character--innocent, easily impressed, dreamy, and hopeful. Chess becomes enthralled with classmate Kendrick Marr-Löwenstein, a rebellious Manhattan sophisticate. She finds Kendra's outrageous attitudes and behaviors appealing. Later, Chess is hired as a personal assistant to Kendra's mother, feminist author Clarice Marr. Rankin portrays the Marr-Löwensteins with all their upper-crust eccentricities in place. She also highlights Firmani's impressive portrait of New York City from the 1980s through the events of 9/11. Chess experiences obsession, acceptance, betrayal, and, ultimately wisdom, in a debut novel that will fully engage listeners. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2017]