WHEN FRANNY STANDS UP

This audiobook is a lively assemblage of literary genres, including historical fiction, magical realism, coming-of-age fiction, and humor. Narrator Lilly Ganser gives voice to Franny Steinberg, who longs to be a stand-up comedian. The story takes place in post-WWII Chicago and moves from a nightclub run by a mobster's wife to the suburban home of a respectable working-class Jewish family. Listeners may feel winded as Ganser races through events in Franny's life, including rape, a brother suffering from PTSD, criminals, misogyny, and bigotry. Ganser has many great characterizations, such as the jaded voice of Lottie, the nightclub manager, and Franny's parents, who speak like stereotypical Jews in a sitcom. As the author makes the case that laughter is the best medicine, listeners will indeed laugh. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2022]