PURPLE HIBISCUS

Although a fifteen-year-old girl in Nigeria lives a privileged life, she is threatened by an abusive father and the threat of a military coup. Lisette Lecat does not narrate this audiobook as much as she casts a spell. Her lilting British-accented voice evokes Nigeria’s colonialist past, and her adroitness with the Ibo-speaking characters clearly places us in another culture. Overall, her ability to imbue each character with a distinct vocal personality makes this a stunning performance. There is both beauty and horror in this tale of modern Africa, and Lecat ensures this work will linger in the listener’s memory. P.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]