When Marnie Was There

Perhaps a little over-wordy for modern listeners, When Marnie Was There is, nonetheless, an intriguing mystery as well as a thoughtful story of friendship and its complications. Jan Francis reads it well, especially catching the character of lonely Anna whose very ordinariness counts against her, making both adults and other children find her difficult. While on a holiday from her foster mother Anna is given the freedom she craves and, away from adult eyes and expectations, she makes a friend. But Marnie is different. When she disappears, Anna has to adapt again in ways that show she is far from ‘difficult’ but emotionally sensitive and resourceful. Collins’ much-favoured electronic mood-music heightens the drama. (3 hrs, abridged)