THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE

This audiobook is expansive in its narrative voices as well as its narrative scope. The story begins in 1950s California and goes on to span decades with the Blair family, a realistically flawed group. One quickly comes to care about the characters, who live vividly in one’s imagination, thanks to Packer’s gift with words. Cotter Smith et al. are expressive narrators as the novel’s point of view shifts from chapter to chapter. As each narrator portrays one of the Blair siblings, their individual voices blend beautifully with those of the surrounding chapters, creating a true familial effect. The strong quality in each voice not only provides aural unity but also propels the listener forward. Flawlessly paced and produced, this is an outstanding listen. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2015]