Gone-Away Lake

A splendid summer discovery is shared by two young cousins who stumble upon a swamp and its colorful occupants, human and otherwise. Children in 2003 probably can't relate to the main characters' all-day summer freedom and exploration. Nevertheless, GONE-AWAY LAKE is a delightful escape, even fifty years after it was written. Reader Colleen Delany's pace is a touch slow, but helpful to juvenile listeners. Her precise diction is maintained throughout the more exciting scenes, which are delivered with an energy that rivets the young audience's attention. The elderly characters are suitably voiced with distinctly old-fashioned, trembling tones, but the youngest children come off too babyish. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

May 12, 2003
Delany proves a nimble, accomplished reader on this inviting adaptation of Enright's Newbery Honor novel. Eleven-year-old Portia and her younger brother Foster can't wait to spend the summer in the country with their cousin Julian and his parents. Soaking in the fresh air, the rural setting and Julian's company is usually pleasure enough, but this summer the children stumble upon Gone-Away Lake, a settlement of elegant summer homes that have long been abandoned with the lake grown over, obscured by wetland plants. They also discover two kindly inhabitants of Gone-Away, who are happy to remain living in the past—and virtual isolation. Delany's dulcet voice conveys the children's wonder at their discovery as well as the warm and welcoming manner of Gone-Away's keepers, Aunt Minnehaha and Uncle Pin. Though some of the language is dated and today's children rarely have the same freedom to wander alone, this tale of friendship and the joys of a life lived well never sounds stale. Throughout, Delany's easy rhythm paired with Enright's detailed descriptions will have listeners longing for a summer vacation. Ages 8-up.