A STAR FOR MRS. BLAKE

Bernadette Dunne's performance is appropriately warm and personable as she captures the story of Gold Star Mothers who are on a pilgrimage to their sons' grave sites in France after WWI. At the story's heart is Cora Blake, who, like the other mothers, has lost a son in battle. Dunne captures a broad cast of characters from all walks of life through agile shifts in accents and distinctive vocal personalities. At times, the plot drags a bit, either as a result of slow narrative development or didactic moments. At other times, Dunne's performance becomes a little too sentimental, but overall this is a fine telling of an intriguing detail from America's history. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2014]