26A

As Georgia and Bessie discover, growing up as twins is much like the negotiations all people make in oddly paired relationships. Their lives in a shabby part of London are defined by various pairings. Their family members, especially, are oddly paired: their mother is a spirit-talking Nigerian; their father, an alcoholic Englishman--one sister is psychic; the other, senseless. Danai Gurira's narration echoes both the young twins' puzzlement at their twin-ness and their quick thoughts. Her voice carries the mixed assurance and confusion of youth, easily alternating delight and anguish. Magically, her voice grows and matures as the twins' world expands into separateness and the painful adjustments that living brings. Gurira's reading of Evans's highly acclaimed first novel touches quietly but deeply. P.E.F. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]