SMALL WORLD

Narrator Stacey Glemboski gives an extraordinary performance of this immersive family drama. Middle-aged sisters Joyce and Lydia, who are both divorced and childless, decide to live together in Joyce's Cambridge apartment. The story is told from the perspective of Joyce, whose defensive, prickly persona is wonderfully captured by Glemboski. Lydia's social awkwardness is expertly portrayed by Glemboski in a light, impulsive tone. Listeners become fully invested as the narrative shifts from the present to flashbacks of the sisters' difficult upbringing by neglectful parents, as well as the childhood death of their disabled sister. Glemboski splendidly depicts the sisters' struggles with each other and with their fractured pasts. An exceptional performance enhances an honestly told and satisfying family story. M.J. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]