From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Dandicat's moving memoir focuses on her Uncle Joseph, who raised her in Haiti, and her father, who was reunited with her in the United States when she was 12. Robin Miles brings the two brothers to life. Portraying Dandicat's father, Mira, as soft-spoken and wise, she sagely decides not to try to imitate the mechanical voice box he uses after losing his larynx to throat cancer. The women sound much more alike, but Dandicat's mother and many aunts have relatively minor roles. The exception is Dandicat herself, the powerful narrator whom Miles portrays as a calm presence in the midst of political and familial tragedies. Miles's Creole sounds fluid and authentic, and listeners will have no trouble understanding the characters' French accents (Creole phrases are followed by translations). Miles uses the same pace throughout, but she might have given more pep to Joseph's breathtaking escape from Haiti. Miles is a perfect fit for Dandicat's books—she previously read
Breath, Eyes, Memory. She artfully immerses listeners in Dandicat's world and will leave them wanting more.
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From AudioFile
When the regime of Papa Doc Duvalier and his military security force, the Tonton Macoutes, force her parents to flee Haiti for America, Edwidge and her brother, Bob, are left behind and raised by her fathers brother, Joseph, and his wife. They remain with the couple in Port-au-Prince for eight years, during which time her preacher uncle refuses to leave his congregation. Eventually, Joseph develops throat cancer and requires radical surgery. In rich, appealing tones narrator Robin Miles delivers Danticats poignant memoir of the love between brothers and the tragedy that separates and ultimately unites them. Her performance is controlled and understated, thereby heightening the familys personal strength and heartfelt connections. Danticats elegantly crafted prose and Miless graceful reading make this a stunning listening experience. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.