SISTER EUROPE

Lisa Flanagan's narration captures Nell Zink's comic timing and droll observations with flair. A group of quirky uber-wealthy misfits find themselves at an exclusive Michelin-starred dinner to honor a literary award recipient. The food proves disappointing, and the guests leave, heading out into nighttime Berlin. Some go off in search of more satisfying fare, possibly Burger King, while others find themselves confronting their personal demons. Zink provides Flanagan with wonderful characters to inhabit, ranging from art critic Demian and his transitioning teenage daughter, Nicole, to Livia, a German whose grandfather was probably a Nazi. Flanagan is especially funny portraying publisher Toto's online date, Avianca, nicknamed the Flake, because it's "shorter than 'Manic Pixie Nightmare Girl'." Flanagan gently handles each of the other over-the-top characters, as well. Fun summer listening. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2025]