THE EXCITEMENTS

Karen Cass narrates this charming novel. Penny and Josephine Williamson are invited to Paris--accompanied by their grand-nephew, Archie--to receive the Légion d'honneur for their service in WWII. Throughout the story they reminisce over their wartime adventures. The women are in their 90s, but Cass makes it clear that they are feisty, a little quirky, and still game for any "excitements" Archie can arrange. Each has her own story, and Cass distinguishes each woman by personality and attitude, as well as timbre and intonation. Between flashbacks and the present time, Cass has a host of ancillary characters she deals with expertly, including a rogue, a hero, and the granddaughter of an admiral. Following the audiobook, there is an interview between the author and the woman who inspired the story. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]