THE CRITIC'S DAUGHTER

Priscilla Gilman begins narrating her memoir by expressing concern about her ability to fully capture the complexity of her father and their relationship. Her wary tone doesn't continue long. Soon she, and listeners, are engaged in stories about her life with her famous dad, writer, theater critic, and Yale School of Drama professor Richard Gilman. The author delivers period-defining details and people, quotes from her father and his critics, examples of her father's nurturing of her imagination, and her deep sorrow over her parents' acrimonious divorce. Gilman's narration brings clarity and candor to complicated family dynamics and to the development of Priscilla's defining role as cheer-bringer and peace-provider, a persona she created to hide her grief. Gilman surpasses the expectations she sets at the audiobook's opening. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2023]