This book on tape contains four unabridged cassettes. It is read by celebrity reader Molly Ringwald.
The sound is very clear, clean, and crisp, with Italian music fading in and out occasionally, like at the beginning or end
of chapters or sections. Ringwald narrates by doing various voices for characters, for example, an Italian accent for
the Uncles and a crisp, curt, and proper accent for a camp director.
The absorbing narration provides a wonderful story of art, history and individuality. The language is exact and
perfectly E.L. Konigsburg. The following passage about the roses in the Uncle's gardens is a perfect example:
"Some blossoms were quiet and tiny as a bud, others were loud and six inches wide. There were many varieties, many
sizes, but they were a symphony of a single chord, for all of them were rose colored, blooming in every shade from delecate
to brazen, blush to Pepto Bismal."
This story of individuality is the story of Margaret Rose Kane, her two Uncles Alexander and Morris, and Three Towers
made of glass, old clock parts, pendants and painted "astonishingly" in colors of lavender, pink, auquamarine, and lime green.
The appeal of this work is great. It is well written and smart, combining humor, intelligence, and tradition into
a mix of eccentric and individual characters. Margaret Rose is an appealing central character to young readers because
of her idividuality and her unwillingness to conform in any way.
True to her talent, E.L. Konigsburg provides a wonderful piece of literature for young adults. Molly Ringwald,
the narrator, provides an intersting interpretation of the work that holds true to the character of the novel.
Both are enjoyable and recommended reading for anyone.
