THE SUM OF OUR DAYS

In PAULA: A MEMOIR, Allende recounted the tragic death of her daughter. Paula's spirit remains a constant presence in the family, and in this, Allende's second memoir, she writes a lengthy letter to Paula, tracing significant events in the lives of the members of their "tribe" since her death. Allende's voices are so alluring that the rationalist will set aside logic and step into a world populated by ghosts, spirits, magic, and fate. Blair Brown's performance makes the surreal feel completely natural and turns the everyday turmoil and joy of this close-knit extended family into something to be envied. Brown delivers Allende's passionate opinions on everything from drug addiction and marriage to fidelity and religion with sincerity, humor, and an appropriately defiant attitude. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2008]