DIARY OF A FAIRY GODMOTHER

Narrator Rachel Lillis introduces us to diarist Hunky Dorey, a witch considering abandoning a promising future in witchcraft for the possibility of "wishcraft," the art of fairy godmothering. Lillis's vocal characterization reveals the idealism and kindness that make Hunky question her upbringing, but she fails to make the listener believe the venom that is also part of Hunky's character and that creates the story's central conflict. As a whole, the audio doesn't overcome the novel's slow pace. Some of the voices for the secondary characters are outstanding--as in the case of Hunky's sophisticated aunt--but Lillis misses opportunities when she reads flatly and doesn't keep the dialogue snappy. A.F. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]