MIMI

Justine Eyre portrays a family in turmoil, focusing on the grade-school-age protagonist, Mimi. After the death of her mother, her after-school life is divided among her loving Irish family members while her despairing father stays at home and burns the dinner. Mimi delves into her sister’s diary, tries to block out her brother’s constant drumming, endures schoolyard bullying over her Chinese ethnicity, and regularly skips her homework until her doting teacher disappears quite suddenly on maternity leave. Eyre gives Mimi a compelling voice, rich with angst and humor and growing understanding. Eyre's renditions of Mimi’s panicky father and her pregnant teacher are hilarious, and her switches from sadness to levity are well balanced. Equally well portrayed are Mimi’s siblings and friends, along with her Irish family members—with their charming lilts. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]