MERCY STREET

Michael Veitch's thoughtful delivery enhances this sublime story, set in 1970s Australia. Seventy-five-year-old George Johnson is having difficulty coping with his beloved wife's death. When he's attacked by muggers, streetwise 19-year-old Angie comes to his rescue. Veitch inhabits both curmudgeonly Johnson and tough Angie. Johnson's interfering yet helpful sister, Shirl, is also impeccably rendered. Days after the attack, Angie reappears with her 4-year-old daughter, Rory, insisting that Johnson babysit. Listeners will be moved to hear Johnson's life change when Angie and Rory move in. Flashbacks to Johnson's earlier life and his relationships with his Asian neighbors and burly Redgum are realistic. It's heartbreaking to accompany Johnson when he temporarily kidnaps Rory. Happily, the epilogue is heartfelt and appropriate. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFIle Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2018]