THE TRIUMPH OF KATIE BYRNE

Katie Byrne's two best friends are brutally attacked, and one of them is killed. The tragedy stalls Katie's career and emotional development, although she's determined to give up on neither. Barbara Rosenblat sounds like at least a dozen different people as she breezes through the Irish, Yorkshire, New York, and Connecticut vocalizations of the book's characters. Her narrative passages are delivered in flawless midwestern U.S., and her timing throughout retains its customary perfection, drawing the listener in despite the predictability of the plot. No matter who the writer may be or what the story involves, a Rosenblat performance brings out all the good points, and adds a few more for good measure. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]