THE HOTEL BALZAAR Norendy Tales, Book 2

The cavernous voice of narrator Allan Corduner is the listener's first clue that this enchanted story is more expansive than the tiny, spartan attic room where Marta and her mother live above The Hotel Balzaar. While Marta's mother toils as the hotel's maid, Marta's job is to be unseen and unheard. Corduner's booming voice initially seems incongruous with the contemplative Marta and the mysterious diminutive countess who comes to stay at the hotel with her parrot. However, Corduner's emotionally modulating narration entrances the listener and transports them far from the strict confines of the hotel. Corduner gives depth to Marta's thoughts of her missing father and believability to the seven magical stories the countess tells her. L.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]