Then There Were Five

By: Elizabeth Enright

Narrated by: Pamela Dillman

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

With Father in Washington and Cuffy away visiting a sick cousin, almost anything might happen to the Melendys left behind at the Four-Story Mistake. In the Melendy family, adventures are inevitable: Mr. Titus and the catfish; the villainy of the DeLacey brothers; Rush's composition of Opus Three; Mona's first rhubarb pie and all the canning; Randy's arrowhead; the auction and fair for the Red Cross. But best of all is the friendship with Mark Herron which begins with a scrap-collection mission and comes to a grand climax on Oliver's birthday.

Here is Elizabeth Enright's story of a long and glorious summer in the country with the Melendy family.

Don't miss the other titles in the Melendy Quartet.

©1944 Elizabeth Enright Gillham; 1972 Nicholas W. Gillham, Robert Gillham II, and Oliver Gillham (P)2004 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Elizabeth Enright has a quick eye for the unexpected, the amusing and the beautiful in what might just be ordinary experiences." (The New York Times)
"Elizabeth Enright's children are so real they seem to step right out of the pages to become one's closest friends. Don't miss them." (Chicago Sunday Tribune)

We can't listen enough!

My children and I have listened to this book at least three times, and we have every intention of keeping it a regular in our audio library. Pamela Dillman is superb; she breathes life into each character. The author has a way with words that enchants even my youngest child. I thoroughly appreciate Enright's knack for describing the thoughts and feelings of each character with such authenticity. Sometimes I forget that the Melendy children aren't real! Each of the Melendy books is a treasure, but this one is my favorite.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Independent Curious & Sensible- love these kids!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The kids in this family are great role models for kids today.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Then There Were Five?

When the kids helped the young boy living with his mean uncle to escape and have fun times.

What does Pamela Dillman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She puts less familiar words into context making it easier for younger kids to understand.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were many suspenseful moments and my daughter admired the courage that each kid showed.

Any additional comments?

The whole series is well worth listening to- we have listened to several of them! Highly recommend!

Bad wording

Father was in the office he told the Melndie children that Mark might not want to be adopted and then the children got excited so I think you should have said all adopt Mark if you wants to.

Delightful

Wonderful, complex characters; and fun and engaging dialogue that rings true. My children (aged 5-12) and I were all spellbound. Every book in this series is quality. The narration is also excellent, very smooth and unique for each character without being ridiculous or distracting.

Great for the family

Any additional comments?

These books are fun for the family. My 11 yo son loves them. The readings are expertly done.

Faulty Recording in One Chapter

Love the series and this book especially. As does 3 generations of my family. However, the chapter on Rush and Mark's adventure in the woods with Oren Meeker and his friends at the still is badly recorded. At least just this one section of that chapter is screechy and skips. Since this was recorded (very well by Pamela Dillman) over a decade ago, I doubt that anything can be done about it, but Audible need better monitoring before releasing. Thanks!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful