KARR, Kathleen. Gilbert & Sullivan set me free. Hyperion. 226p. c2003. 0-7868-51856. $5.99. JS

Perhaps best known for her works of historical fiction, Kerr brings readers back to the early 20th century for a glimpse at life inside a women's prison. Libby Dodge, a young woman of seemingly fine upbringing and education, enters Sherborn Women's Prison in Massachusetts for a crime readers do not learn about until well into the second half of her story. Libby is deter mined to keep her crime private in a place with virtually no privacy. She has not even told her closest companion, Ma McCreary, who is in prison for killing her abusive husband (and proud of it). Ma and Libby are partners in the laundry when their lives inside the prison change dramatically. As they sing to help pass the time and to make their tasks more endurable, the new chaplain overhears them and her plan to make Sherborn more a place of reform than just punishment takes hold. Libby and Ma become the first members of the prison's new choir. Life inside the prison is transformed, with all inmates eager to participate in the performance of a full production of Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. Those who are illiterate are taught to read using Bible verses and lyrics from the opera. Together the inmates, guided by the vision and belief of their chaplain, create an environment where everyone is working toward a common goal.

In perhaps the most powerful scenes in the book, Libby has moments in solitary confinement when she is drawn back to the events that brought her to her current situation. While the discovery of her offense does not change how readers feel about Libby (they will still love her spirit and spunkiness), it does make clear why she is fearful of the life waiting for her beyond the walls of the prison.

Karr has created an emotional story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Readers will want to turn the pages to find out what happens to Libby and her prison family. Unfortunately, this will only happen if they can get past the title and the cover art, because teens will not find them appealing. But inside is a treat of a read--a treat that continues into the author's note, where we learn the story is based on fact. Stephanie Squicciarini, Teen Services Libn., Fairport RL., Fairport, NY

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
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