Audiobook Review: Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson

Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
Published by HarperAudio on January 29, 2016
Genres: General Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Source: personal copy

M. M. "Mimi" Banning is a literary legend after writing a highly popular book in the 70s.  Now a recluse, she lives in a Bel Air mansion with her eccentric nine-year-old son, Frank.  Her New York City publisher is desperate to keep her on track, and sends an assistant to help Mimi progress with her writing.

Alice Whitley arrives at the Banning estate with the guise of an assistant, but the mission to make sure Mimi stays on track and completes this highly desired novel.  Upon arrival, she learns that she will serve as a companion to young Frank, a boy with the wardrobe of a 1930s movie star and little in common with his peers. Alice's position is full of rules: Don't touch Frank. Don't touch Frank's things.

Despite these challenges, Alice and Frank quickly form a heartwarming bond, transforming this novel into a completely endearing story of love, acceptance, and charm.

This was the perfect audio book to get me out of my reading slump!  What wonderful and dynamic characters!  Frank, bless his heart, was a character it is easy to love!  Though not formally diagnosed, his symptoms lean toward Asperger’s (aversion to touch, social awkwardness, obsession with classic Hollywood style movies and attire).   Though his relationship with Alice is shaky at first, they both come to rely on one another for companionship and support.

Alice is a young woman certainly put to the test with her most recent assignment.  Though strong-willed, Mimi’s abrasive personality quickly has her cowering in the corner.  Like her relationship with Frank, Alice’s relationship with Mimi eventually evolves over time into one that is mutually rewarding.

Mimi is a piece of work! A victim of a Ponzi-like scheme, she’s been a recluse in her home for the last few decades. Initially, it is difficult to like her abrasive personality, but once you see that it is all a method of dealing with her own insecurities and concerns, it’s easy to see that she is, at heart, a kind and loving mother.

Throw in Xander, the piano teacher/only male role model in Frank’s life and you have quite the quirky slate of characters!

The audio narration was excellent. I knew this would be the case with Tavia Gilbert as the narrator; she’s one of my long-time favorites. She expertly captures each character so expertly, so individually, that you forget it’s one woman narrating!

All in all, this was a wonderful, heartfelt and rewarding listen. Highly, highly recommended.