JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS

Monika Felice Smith gives a perfect voice to Cora, the 12-year-old at the heart of Sarno's achingly beautiful debut novel about finding home in a world turned upside down. Since the death of her father, Cora must move from shelter to shelter to survive. Smith's emotionally connected narration wrings the pathos from Cora's situation without succumbing to melodrama. With her mother at work, Cora is responsible for her "special" younger sister, Adare, who attends classes for "different" children. This burden of responsibility becomes too difficult for Cora, resulting in some terrifying scenes, interpreted by Smith with flawless pitch and pacing. Sarno fleshes out even the minor players, with Smith's well-characterized performance subtly distinguishing among them. This story will remain with listeners for a long time. S.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2018]