GREAT CIRCLE

Cassandra Campbell and Alex McKenna's captivating performances of Maggie Shipstead's new novel will divert you from everything else as you follow two women on different quests in separate eras. Marion, in the early twentieth century, devotes her life to flying; years later, Hadley navigates Hollywood's pitfalls as she prepares to play Marion on-screen. Campbell, who narrates most of the book, delivers Shipstead's stunning descriptive prose with a precision that crystalizes its edges, making it sound timeless. Her character portrayals are movingly delivered, vividly evoking personality with subtle shifts in pitch, rhythm, and affect. McKenna's poignant depiction of Hadley, in a chipper yet throaty voice that hints of late nights, perfectly combines the character's endearing mix of enthusiasm, naïveté, and sangfroid. Together, they transfix. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]