POLLYANNA

It would have been easy to gush through this five hanky classic, but Hannah Gordon presents a realistic, yet warm and human, interpretation of each of the various dour and happy characters. Her narrative style reminds me of the late Elizabeth Montgomery of BEWITCHED as she describes the effect a glad orphan girl has on her maiden aunt's vinegary universe. The book is full of tears and laughter, and Gordon evokes them with small catches in her voice, trembling hesitations and sudden babbles of enthusiasm. She doesn't hit a false note anywhere, a master at her craft. D.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN 96]