THE DOLLMAKER OF KRAKOW

Narrators Abby Craden and Robert Fass display a myriad of skills as they breathe life into a story set in German-occupied Krakow. Meet the dollmaker, Cyryl, and his creation, Karolina, and the Polish Jew, Joseph, and his daughter, Rena. As the Germans exercise their authority over the Poles, the dollmaker supports his friends. Magical elements include Karolina's ability to talk, and scenarios from the imaginary Land of the Dolls, a story element that keeps listeners on their toes. Craden is compassionate and precise as the narrator and spunky and emotional as Karolina and Rena. Fass differentiates the dollmaker from Joseph, however much they share the same sadnesses. His portrayals of the German soldiers' ruthlessness are chilling. A.R. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2018]