cover image When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There

Joan G. Robinson, read by Susan Duerden. Listening Library, unabridged, download, 6.5 hrs., $23 ISBN 978-0-553-55260-7

When Anna, an orphan, is sent to live with the Pegs in some town far from home, she is ostracized by her peers. Then she meets Marnie, a peculiar girl who seems to appear in even more peculiar circumstances. When Marnie disappears, Anna is determined to find out where—and whom—she is. Duerden has a perfect voice for this production. Her British accent and soft voice capture and invite listeners to enjoy the narrative passes. Her emotional inflection helps flesh out the characters, particularly when narrating Anna’s inner thoughts. Her vocal characterizations are fantastic. She provides a consistent and emotionally dynamic voice for Anna, while also capturing a variety of other male and female characters with different accents and vocal styles. Each character comes across as unique. Ages 8–12. (Dec.)