THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET

Narrator Linda Emond portrays four women, from a Goth to a reluctant grandmother, who become unlikely friends in a knitting class. Emond develops a sense of urgency through timing and expert vocal nuance as reoccurring illness and miscarriage, divorce and betrayal rather predictably visit the characters. Clearly capturing each woman as she supports the others and searches for the answers to her own troubles, Emond outdoes herself in portraying counterculture proponent Alix, who joins the group to fulfill court-ordered community service. Although the novel is slow to start, the warmth of Emond's voice so embodies the tenacious characters as to deliver a worthwhile story of change and hope. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]