THE DARKEST CHILD

Bahni Turpin brings her formidable talents to bear as she narrates the story of 13-year-old Tangy Mae Quinn, a smart, dark-skinned girl who, along with her 10 brothers and sisters, lives in mortal fear of her unpredictable and shockingly abusive mother, Rozelle. It is 1958, and the Quinns live in abject poverty, eased only by the few dollars that Rozelle makes farming her children out for manual labor and even prostitution. Turpin’s narration blends seamlessly with Phillips’s writing, creating a seductive, meandering story punctuated by moments of unspeakable violence. Turpin’s characterizations are outstanding—unique, perfectly accented voices ring with authenticity. Listeners will be deeply affected by her nuanced portrayal of dutiful Tangy Mae, a girl who deserves so much more than the life she’s been given. S.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2018]