THE WILLOUGHBYS

The four Willoughby children can't stand their parents, and the feeling is mutual. When their parents set off on a dangerous world tour, leaving their children with a nanny and putting the house on the market, the children hope they'll wind up orphans. Is a happy ending possible? Artfully, Lowry plays on gothic traditions of old. Arte Johnson nurses the irony in the story and pounces on its wordplay. He highlights the cruelty of older, controlling brother Tim; the meekness of youngest sister Jane; and the cool, comforting tones of Nanny. Throughout he walks the delicate balance of humor and saccharine tones the author intends. This delightful story pulls in children and their parents for a great family listen. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]