TASTES LIKE WAR A Memoir

Memoirs pose a special challenge for narrators. To render a work effectively, they must nearly become the author. Cindy Kay skillfully does so in this audiobook about a Korean-American daughter's examination of her mother's life and mental illness, schizophrenia. The author learned to cook dishes from her mother's childhood in order to invite the past into the present. Kay effectively captures the author's frustration with her mother's condition and her joy at connecting with her, even momentarily. For most of the audiobook, Kay narrates in her regular voice. But she adds a distinctly Asian tone and cadence to direct quotes in English from the mother. Kay's pacing exactly suits the material, using pauses to enhance episodes of personal drama. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]