TREE. TABLE. BOOK.

This humble and wonderful performance by Hope Newhouse will engage a wide audience. Two Sophies are best friends; one is an elementary school student, and the other is an aging woman who is beginning her struggle with memory loss. When home-care options are weighed, younger Sophie listens to the many memories of elder Sophie. Newhouse's ability to transform her narration to highlight both the stark age difference and the friendship between both characters is a cornerstone of the performance. Listeners will believe these characters really are connected. The story begins with the very fun arrogant thoughts of younger Sophie and melts into melancholy when elder Sophie reveals all the hardships she's been through, such as war. Yet Newhouse emphasizes steadfast hope when Sophie recalls the love she's experienced throughout her lifetime. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]