A FAR CRY FROM KENSINGTON

Narrator Pamela Garelick’s rich, throaty voice is perfect for the character of Mrs. Hawkins, a portly, young widow in post-WWII London who lives in a boarding house filled with quirky neighbors and who finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Written by the author of THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, the story offers a glimpse into the publishing world of that time, although the plot is somewhat musty and unfocused. Garelick delivers the story with gusto, taking verbal risks with the many secondary characters that make each one distinct and quite often hilarious. Garelick’s wit and obvious pleasure keep the listener well entertained, and Spark’s apt descriptions and witty observations make up for what is missing in tension. F.J.K. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2011]