MARIE, DANCING

This story transports listeners to Paris circa 1870, through the eyes of Marie van Goethem, a 14-year-old dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet. Carine Montbertrand, whose French accent is impeccable, sets forth Marie's story in an engaging, wholly accessible way. In addition, her characterizations of Marie's downtrodden mother, selfish sister, and the real characters of Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt fluidly add to the richness of this text. Marie's struggles are depicted in a heartfelt manner as she strains against the expectations of her alcoholic mother and her poverty-stricken family. This is truly a fascinating tale finely rendered. M.R.P. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]