TOMORROW THERE WILL BE APRICOTS

The story of how Victoria, a grieving widow with unresolved issues, ends up giving cooking lessons to Lorca, a troubled girl in need of nurturing and love, is told from their alternating viewpoints. Narrator Kathleen Gati's soft, consistent Middle Eastern accent is the perfect choice for the elderly Victoria, who is an Iraqi immigrant. Lorca's chapters are read by Kate Reinders, whose girlish inflections flawlessly telegraph the teen's roller-coaster emotions. The pacing and expressiveness of the two performances are so well matched that listeners remain captivated as the the protagonists are drawn together through food and cooking. The few chapters told from a man's viewpoint are read by Reinders, although Gati's accent and more mature intonations would have been the better choice. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2013]