GREENWILLOW

The village of Greenwillow is redolent with verdant pastures and quaint inhabitants who are engrossed in both nature and their religions. Ann Richardson narrates this gentle story of romance, family curses, and battling intolerance. She believably portrays a broad range of characters of all ages—from high-pitched toddlers to belligerent teens and elderly folks. Nuances of accent, class, and attitude are all lightly performed. Young Gideon, who vows never to marry, is smitten with orphan Dorrie, and therein lies the quandary. In this charming book, Chute embraces rural challenges and village eccentrics, particularly two reverends who spar over good and evil. A.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2014]