The Puppeteer’s Daughters

As he fades away owing to dementia, famed puppeteer Walter Gray’s three daughters (all half-sisters) work to resolve relationships with their him and their mothers, one another, themselves, and the fact that they have a fourth sister that they never knew existed—or does she? Newton’s (Under the Mercy Trees) intriguing look at how a family where each child was raised apart manages to unite when the going gets tough is narrated by Lauren Ezzo with a verve and zest that compels listeners to sprint to the finish. Given the fairly large cast, Ezzo carefully crafts each character so they are delicately modulated and stand apart. She skillfully projects Jane’s cutting-edge resentment of her father’s eccentricities and infidelities; Rosie’s insecurities and self-image issues that hold her back from asserting herself; and Cora’s desire to move on in life that prevents her from forming lasting emotional bonds. After the three learn the truth about their fourth sibling, the extended family gathers together for a celebration where all the pieces of their puzzled lives come together to a satisfying conclusion.