GINGERSNAP

With her older brother and only family member, Rob, missing in action in the Pacific theatre of WWII, Jayna, aka Gingersnap, leaves her guardian and heads to Brooklyn with her pet turtle and a bakery address in hand. She's been told she may have a grandmother there. Olivia Campbell's narration enriches the character of Jayna. Her tender, raw voice mirrors Jayna's uncertainties and desperation. Campbell's voice weakens and trails off at just the moments when Jayna feels most vulnerable. And as Jayna lets herself take in the welcoming bakery "family," Campbell picks up the pace, and her voice gains conviction. As guardian Celine, Campbell's quavering voice creates a remarkably unsuitable parent surrogate. Bakery owner Elise's voice is filled with uncertainty and skepticism, followed by growing warmth. A.R. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2013]