ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE

Narrator Ben Onwukwe brings out the humor and pathos in this story of Jamaican widower Hubert Bird, who discovers friendship in unlikely places. Hubert’s daughter, Rose, thinks his life is full of friends and fun, but Hubert actually lives an entirely solitary existence. When Rose announces an unexpected visit, Hubert knows he better find some fake friends right away. Hubert’s adventures are hilarious and heartwarming, and Onwukwe’s depiction of him makes this production shine. With his deep, gravelly voice, Onwukwe communicates the whole of Hubert’s complicated self—unexpectedly tender and painfully grief-stricken, but with a rascally sense of humor and a gentlemanly spirit. Listeners will root for Hubert, rejoice at his newfound friendships, and wish that they, too, could have a cuppa with this lovely man. S.A.H. 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]