GOLD RUSH GIRL

Narrator Sarah Naughton imbues the titular Gold Rush girl, 13-year-old Victoria, with all the pluckiness of the spirited heroines of nineteenth-century novels. Tory is tired of following the strict social mores imposed by her imperious aunt in Providence, Rhode Island. Instead, she aspires to a life of freedom and self-determination. When her father loses his job and leaves for San Francisco, expecting to make a fortune in gold, Tory stows away on the ship. Naughton's voice is enthusiastic, flagging only with Tory's spirits and portraying her disappointment when she discovers how filthy and lawless San Francisco is. But Tory bravely forges ahead, and with a light tone and brisk pace, Naughton keeps listeners engaged as Tory embarks on her adventure in the Wild West. S.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]