THE JIGSAW JUNGLE

Narrator Erin Cahill's character voices extract maximum emotion from this scrapbook of receipts, video transcripts, emails, and texts. Twelve-year-old Claudia uses her collection to tell the story of her father's disappearance, its titanic impact on her family, and the treasure hunt he left behind. While time stamp details, addresses, and long lists add realism to the print version, they are tedious and difficult to follow by ear. Also, the story itself has a tonal struggle between the exciting treasure hunt and the weighty family issues. This clash, while awkward, is appropriately reflected in Cahill's portrayal of Claudia. Overall, Cahill captures her transformation from a giddy, hopeful preteen to a frustrated young woman who is grappling with her growing realization that her parents have far more complex lives than she ever imagined. S.T.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2018]