DOWNTOWN

Siddons's novel about Atlanta in the late 1960's, rich with the voices of those changing times, is wonderfully appropriate for production. Although narrator Barbara Caruso doesn't have a Southern accent, she captures the spirit of the characters by making each voice distinctive, even when individuals seem to be stereotypes. When the text calls for singing (the title comes, in part, from Petula Clark's hit song), Caruso gamely gives it her best. Downtown is a long story. Still, Caruso keeps our attention, and her voice keeps us moving. Listeners will appreciate the reader's ability to portray the neighborhoods and contrasts of Atlanta almost as characters in themselves. B.V. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 95]