A DESIRABLE RESIDENCE

The author of the popular Shopaholic series (under the pen name Sophie Kinsella) portrays residents of suburban London in this contemporary novel of manners. The plot revolves around several families caught up in the housing bust. The author acquaints us with entrepreneurial academicians, a disaffected adolescent, a smarmy realtor, an aspiring soap opera star, and others who engage the listener’s sympathy. Katherine Kellgren brings these struggling characters to life. Her accent is suitably English, and she speaks with clarity. She delivers a particularly apt depiction of teenaged Alice, who specializes in brooding. The execution and narration of this slight story make it enjoyable listening. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]