BECOMING BONNIE

When the perfect narrator is matched with a stellar story, the result is an even greater pleasure. And while Walsh's story of a young Bonnie and Clyde takes place before the couple's notorious rampage, narrator Susan Bennett makes their early years just as exciting. Bennett's delivery deepens the characters' dimensions and complexity. Capturing the sass of Bonnie's best friend, Blanche, adds jocularity to the story. The reticent tone Bennett gives Clyde reflects the author's portrait of an empathetic, misunderstood poet, easy to admire and connect with. Bennett envelops her audience in 1920s Texas, the smoke-filled speakeasies contrasting with the hardscrabble poverty. Her gentle twang adds an olive to Walsh's bathtub gin for a listening experience that goes down oh so smooth. J.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2017]