No Promises in the Wind

Charlie Thurston beautifully narrates this story of 15-year-old Josh and his little brother, Joey, who leave a hungry home in the midst of the Great Depression, armed only with musical talent and pride. Thurston's voice is plastic; it twists and stretches, shaping lively gangsters, caring carnies, and quiet friends with seeming effortlessness. His performance adds a great deal to this simple narrative. Thurston's pacing and vocal anguish help listeners connect with the boys despite a writing style that keeps the characters' suffering at arm's length. The story is perhaps a bit romanticized--pride and reluctance to accept charity are at the heart of Josh's struggle. It shames him to beg for food to keep himself and his brother alive. A.M.P © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine