THE BIRD SISTERS

Xe Sands's performance of elderly sisters Milly and Twiss of Spring Green, Wisconsin, charmingly enhances Rasmussen's lovely lyrical prose. Sands balances, in a delicately distinctive manner, both the sisters' coming-of-age story and their current devotion to nursing injured birds. Most profound and moving are Sands's sweet pacing and gentle vocal cadence, which enchantingly convey the author's whimsy and vivid imagery, as well as the characters’ wistful memories. During the summer of 1947, the sisters face their hardscrabble lives after their father has a life-changing accident. They embrace life's joys, hope, and heartbreak, along with the bittersweet empowerment of sisterhood, with the transformative help of visiting cousin Bett. This authentic portrayal of family will haunt listeners long after the last word. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2012]