A Lady of High Regard

Judith West gives a polished performance depicting Mia Stanley, a young woman from a wealthy and influential Philadelphia family. Mia comes to believe she's a born matchmaker, but she can't find a romantic interest of her own. So she launches a journalism career instead. West captures her family's dismay, and Mia's resentment, when her father orders her to stop writing for GODEY'S LADIES BOOK. She adeptly depicts Mia's shock and concern after visiting seaman's wives on the Philadelphia docks and learning of their victimization: physical and sexual abuse, even their children being sold for bad debts. With clarity of narration, textured characterizations, and cultural authenticity, West brings to life Mia's ensuing fight for higher wages, reduced hours, and the return of the seaman's children. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine