POEMSIA

New Zealander Saskia Maarleveld is the perfect narrator for the Down Under story of Verity Wolf. While Maarleveld’s accents provide a strong sense of place, she’s also skilled at evoking the warm relationships that are the story’s strength. Verity has a poetic gift and a best friend who sees her talent. Maarleveld depicts the closeness they’ve had since meeting at age 7. Maarleveld also depicts the positive relationship Verity has with her adored grandfather and her boyfriend. When Verity’s fame takes her on a publicity tour to New York City, Maarleveld contrasts the story’s earlier warmth with harsh American accents and attitudes as Verity suffers the jealousy of others and the coldness of the publishing world. Happily, Maarleveld returns listeners to a tender, happily-ever-after conclusion. S.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2020]