ABIDE WITH ME

This gritty look at poverty in London's East End during the Thatcher years is movingly presented by narrator Karl Jenkinson. Young Johnny Sissions has a happy family life in spite of their lack of money, but many of his friends are less fortunate. Jenkinson splendidly portrays Johnny in this first-person coming-of-age story. He also deftly presents Johnny's friends and the wide emotional range of Johnny's experiences in prison. Despite Johnny's criminal behavior, he always maintains a shred of decency that is believable and heartbreaking. Jenkinson positively dazzles as he "broadcasts" a soccer match and sings the team's theme song, "Abide With Me." Though not for the easily offended, this book will richly reward those who listen to it. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2015]