ANGEL ON THE SQUARE

Rasputin. Nicholas and Alexandra. Lenin. Anastasia. Gloria Whelan weaves these distinguished Russians into a compelling story that provides middle school listeners with a glimpse of tumultuous Russia from 1913 to 1918. Through the eyes of Katya, the daughter of Empress Alexandra's lady-in-waiting, the listener experiences the forces that change her courtly life into one of searching for "real freedom" in St. Petersburg. Julie Dretzin gives voice to Katya with a light and gentle touch. As Katya's life is enveloped by the royal family, Dretzin mirrors her wonder at the opulence surrounding her and her naïveté about the growing unrest. When Katya and her mother return to the cottage of their former servants, Dretzin expresses the wisdom that both enriches and saddens Katya's life. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 03]