MOONLIT EYES

No one in this working-class London neighborhood has ever seen a black person, but when the American Embassy worker and his family move in, their next-door neighbors soon embrace them as fast friends. The friendship proves priceless to both families during the Blitz of WWII. Rowena Cooper imparts sensitive and well-thought-out voices to the many British characters in this expansive story. From children to elderly Jewish refugees, her characters sound authentic and full of life. She should have refrained, however, from attempting an American accent, particularly that of Southern-born Beulah Poston. All her Americans suffer from inconsistent speech patterns, almost painful to hear. Still, the story manages to carry a tone of authenticity overall. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]