Maisie

By: Julie Elizabeth Powell

Narrated by: Arden Black

Maisie is special. Yes, she is blind, yes, she’s an orphan, and yes, few know her roots. But inside, she sparkles, more than an angel, more than those majestic stars that layer the universe in glory. Some see this sparkle, while others deny its existence and insist she is nothing more than a brat, one that even her own parents didn’t want.

Maisie also has a secret. One she’d never share because if she did, she knows they’d lock her away in one of those places the others talked about - where all the weird people go. Even Maisie doesn’t understand it all, but knows that one day she’ll meet the woman and the boy...those that she believes are part of her dreams, in a land where she can see, where colors are vibrant and the moon shines as bright as the sun.

What is the truth, and will Maisie ever find it?

©2017 Julie Elizabeth Aldridge (P)2021 Julie Elizabeth Aldridge

Outstanding perfomance!

This was a great listen! I admired Julie Elizabeth Powell's way of writing and Arden Black's voice every second of the book! As a non-native English speaker, I can confirm that Mrs. Arden's narration is easily understood and her accent(s) are also very smooth to the ear.
I loved the flexibility the narrator has got, switching between characters, seemingly so effortless, giving each character a pure voice of their own. I loved how Mrs. Arden put a piece of her own self innoncence when telling the tale of a seven year old girl. She has some unique playfulness in the paragraphs that explain Maisie's point of view and even her light voice can confirm the fact that the story it is about a young, gentle child, suddenly thrown into a world of magic and dreams, while enjoying every second. And Arden Black really displayed in my ears that joy and harmlessness a young girl has.
Again, every character had an unique trait to it, without seeming overdone, thanks to both J.E. Powell and A.B.. The listening/reading felt all so... natural, to describe in the lack of a better word. I shivered by the intensity of the voice in some moments and heartened in others, with ease.
Maisie's story, especially in the audio form, met my expectations, both on the writing and the voice department. I look forward to reading more from J.E. Powell and listening from Arden Black!