HERE AND NOW

The universal problems of single parenthood, deadbeat dads, infertility, and even death are portrayed through the lives of two very different African American sisters. Strong personalities and emotions emerge as they deal with life in the last years of the 1990s. Donna Bailey's voice is pleasant; her accent is authentic for the south suburban Chicago setting, and she clearly distinguishes between male and female characters. However, she does not differentiate between characters of the same sex, nor is she able to believably portray the frustrations of dealing with an ex-husband or the deep depression felt upon the loss of a loved one. P.A.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]