THE RIDE The Legend of Betsy Dowdy

In December 1775, on the barrier island of Currituck, North Carolina, 16-year-old Betsy Dowdy bemoans her inability to contribute to the Colonial quest for freedom from King George’s rule. One fifty-mile ride later, as the legend goes, Betsy proves her worth by delivering an important message to General Skinner as he prepares to rally his troops to repel the Redcoats at Great Bridge. Charlotte Parry’s narration underscores Betsy’s many moods: her despondency at not being able to go to battle as a soldier as well as her determination to undertake the dangerous journey with her pony, Bess. Late in the night in the midst of the journey Parry portrays Betsy’s self-doubt and, later, believably delivers the teenager’s pride at having carried out her mission. Parry’s gentle British accent adds authenticity to the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]