SALTY, BITTER, SWEET

Narrator Jennifer Araya’s heartfelt and determined performance will have listeners rooting for aspiring teenaged chef Isa as she joins an intense cooking competition in France. Araya has an ear for the various Spanish, French, and English accents of Isa’s international competitors and supportive family members. The competition is ruthless, but Araya keeps her performance grounded as Isa is drawn into a budding romance while also coming to terms with the loss of her Cuban grandmother, whose love and cooking inspired her. Araya smoothly pronounces the names of complex French dishes, and she uses a soulful tone of voice when Isa reflects on mouthwatering comfort food. Araya delivers a compelling and passionate performance that gives listeners a seat at the table of an aspiring chef. J.E.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2020]