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 (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


In this latest in the Classic Starts series, narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds zestfully introduces 11-year-old newly orphaned Pollyanna Whittier after her dour Aunt Polly reluctantly offers her a home in Vermont. Listeners will join Pollyanna, who always sees the best in every situation (including her prickly Aunt Polly), as she explores her new town and meets her neighbors. Reynolds deftly presents compassionate servant Nancy, who guides and advises Pollyanna, and the townsfolk who are touched and cheered by the sparkling and optimistic youngster. When Pollyanna is seriously injured after being hit by a car, several events from Aunt Polly's painful past are resolved. It's uplifting to notice the changes in Aunt Polly as her temperament softens. Listeners of all ages will enjoy meeting Pollyanna. S.G.B. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine