COUNT THE WAYS

Author/narrator Joyce Maynard's embodiment of her characters is disarming. Her performance reaches a profound level of intimacy that is moving and heartbreaking. Spanning decades, Maynard's story centers on Eleanor, who loses her parents at 16 in a vehicle accident. Eleanor channels her grief into a successful career as a children's author, eventually moving to a farm and settling into a life of genuine happiness with her husband and children. Yet tragedy and grief upend this world. Throughout, Maynard provides much thoughtful detail. She doesn't just set scenes, she knits together the experiences and choices in Eleanor's life, making the novel incredibly moving. The result is a study of family that is authentic and alive. Her performance adds to its depth and nuance. S.P.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]