House of Ivy & Sorrow

From the first moments of Brittany Pressley's narration, listeners will have no doubt that this story is something special. For 17 years, Dorothea Hemlock, a powerful, spirited--and toothless--witch, has protected her granddaughter, Josephine, from a family curse. But now it seems the curse has caught up with them, and life for the Hemlocks will never be the same. Pressley captures Josephine's assurance and curiosity with easy grace and showcases Dorothea's strength without sacrificing the humor and levity of the characters' deep bond. She navigates the various ages and genders of the supporting cast adroitly, keeping the pace quick and the tension high. Her contemplative narration is beautifully effective, lending emotional tension and vitality to this imaginative story. B.E.K. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine