GLIFF

Eliot Sumner narrates a genre-defying near-future novel that often seems like a fairytale. Two children, Briar and Rose, are left to fend for themselves with just a few cans of food in what is most likely rural Britain. Their free-thinking mother is missing, and they fear the government will find them before she does. The story is told in Smith's signature stunning prose, which infuses the audiobook with its own unique magic. With her straightforward performance, Sumner captures the otherworldly feel of the novel. But she struggles to convey the complex emotions of the children, especially when performing their dialogue. Her flat tone often distracts listeners from Briar and Rose's story, which would otherwise be captivating. K.D.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2025]