FACTORY GIRL

Narrator Tavia Gilbert takes listeners on a difficult journey in the voice of Roshen, a 16-year-old Muslim Uyghur from rural China who is forced to leave her family to work in a factory thousands of miles away. Roshen's fear and horror at her new life are skillfully conveyed by Gilbert; her tone and characterization perfectly reflect the bleak situation Roshen and the girls she works with find themselves in. The Uyghur girls bond as they suffer cultural discrimination, inhumane work conditions, and exploitation by factory bosses. Gilbert's compassionate portrayal highlights Roshen's transition from a scared farm girl to a brave and empathetic leader. This workplace story, based on the actual experiences of Uyghur people in China, is a haunting account of strength and survival. E.A.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2017]