THE VIEW FROM PENTHOUSE B

Lipman's latest is a wry story of lost loves, money worries, and family dramas filled with memorable characters, tenderness, and humor. Faced with personal crises, two middle-aged sisters decide to share a home and restart their lives. Narrator Mia Barron captures the persona of Gwen with an evenness of tone and delivery that mirrors this middle sister's practical approach to life. Barron's understated tone conveys Gwen's droll analyses of the zaniness that now defines normal life for her, and her softly wistful shading is perfect for the young widow's reveries. Barron demonstrates her range with equally convincing portrayals of the male characters. So grab the sunscreen and pour something tall and cool—Lipman and Barron have just declared the opening of Summer Listening Season. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2013]