SEVENTEEN

Stacy Gonzalez superbly re-creates life in an unnamed Midwestern town just before WWI. At the center are 17-year-old William "Willie" Baxter and his bratty, ever-present kid sister, Jane. Their tranquil summer changes when baby-talking, impressively portrayed Lola Pratt and her doglet, Flopit, arrive for a prolonged visit. Gonzalez is an excellent storyteller as Willie and his buddies go "wild" over Lola. She also skillfully demonstrates the language patterns, family life, and propriety of the day. Listeners will be amused whenever Willie attempts to impress Miss Pratt as either her chatty servant, Genesis, and his dog, Clematis, are in the front yard or Jane is bellowing for him to come home. Gonzalez deftly renders the fanciful conclusion that enhances this masterful slice of Americana. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2019]