Audio reviews reflect PW's assessment of the audio adaptation of a book and should be quoted only in reference to the audio version.
FictionTHE RED HAT CLUBHaywood Smith, read by Cynthia Darlow. Audio Renaissance, abridged, three cassettes, 5 hrs., $24.95 ISBN 1-55927-967-2"We didn't start out as Red Hats. We started out in the late '60s as mademoiselles, self-proclaimed crème de la crème of Atlanta's North Side High, Dike's High, Westminster and Lovett, full of ourselves and drunk with the power of our blooming sexuality and good looks," says Georgia Baker, the first-person narrator of Smith's (Queen Bee of the Mimosa Branch, etc.) cozy tribute to the South and womanhood in general. Still full of themselves but now older and wiser, Georgia, Teeny, Linda, Diane and SuSu meet once a month, wearing purple clothes and (what else?) red hats. When Diane discovers that her husband has a mistress, a condo and hidden funds, she seeks her friends' help to bring him down. Meanwhile, Georgia grapples with memories of her first love and the reality of her stale marriage, and Teeny reevaluates her conviction to stay with her abusive, womanizing husband. The women's trials are familiar, but Smith's incisive wit and awareness of her setting, coupled with Darlow's dynamic, Southern-accented delivery and skill at creating distinct character voices—from SuSu's husky, smoke-roughened voice to the righteous, prissy voice of Georgia's conscience—will make listeners feel like an honorary member of the club. Simultaneous release with the St. Martin's hardcover. (Oct.)
