CIRCLE OF THREE

Carrie van Allen didn't really lose her husband when he died in a car accident--he had been emotionally lost to her years before. Her relationship with her mother has faded as well, and now Carrie's daughter, Ruth, embarks on the rebellious parting that characterizes puberty. Dean Robertson portrays all three generations with sympathy and understanding, as each woman speaks chapters in her own voice. Robertson is equally convincing as an overbearing 70-year-old and an obnoxious, self-absorbed, sad, and scared teenager. Her 40-something widow aches with loneliness, regret, dignity, and hope. Identical piano interludes announce the end of each tape, and together Robertson and Gaffney compassionately and convincingly help these three women find their way back to each other. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]