THE OPTIMISTIC DECADE

Living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Don, Caleb, Rebecca, and David are trying to make sense of life in their own ways. Tanya Eby is an upbeat and energetic narrator whose energy is put to good use in portraying these widely different characters. She uses a wry undertone to highlight the frustrations of teenage David. Lovesick Rebecca is portrayed as dreamy and somewhat breathless. The older men, Don and Caleb, are as gruff as outdoor men can be. Eby's range as a performer helps the listener keep track of what is happening to whom. This is a considerable feat considering the complicated plot that revolves around Llamalo, an adventure camp situated on land that has meaning for all of them. M.R. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2018]