CHERRY ICE

Laurimore perfectly captures 1964 on both sides of the Atlantic as 15-year-old Ella Feast sails on the QUEEN ELIZABETH to visit her American father, who is almost a stranger to her. The voyage becomes a coming-of-age event when she meets Paul from Liverpool, who reminds her of the other Liverpool Paul. Narrator Tara Ward perfectly presents both Ella's understated wit and the uncertain situations she encounters as she moves away from home, literally and figuratively. The time switch from 1964 to 1992 is fascinating and seems more believable on audio, despite Ward's less than authentic American accents. An excellent choice for those who enjoy cruise novels. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]