A CROOKED TREE

Narrator Sophie Amoss excels in portraying Libby, a 15-year-old girl left to deal with the consequences after her mother rashly ejects her 12-year-old sister, Ellen, from the family car on a rural road five miles from home. When Ellen attempts to hitch a ride home, a disastrous event occurs that reverberates throughout Libby's family. Amoss capitalizes on the story's evocative language, setting, and strong characters. She has a special ability to provide the large cast with well-differentiated voices. The siblings are given youthful voices that make their worries apparent as they deal with men who may or may not have their best interests at heart. This is an atmospheric and moody coming-of-age story that looks at the results of one unfortunate act and its ensuing costs. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]