DOMINICANA

Set in the 1960s, this audiobook introduces Ana, a 15-year-old new bride whose mercurial husband brings her to America. Coral Pena's strong delivery is a breath of fresh air--her depiction of Ana blends confidence and naïveté as the protagonist makes her way from her home in the Dominican Republic to New York, from a simple life to a complicated one. Pena is a master of accents and emotion, bringing genuine pathos to the story. At times, her pace quickens precipitously, but the overall impact of her elegant narrative is appealing. In no time, the listener is Ana's greatest supporter, wishing her well in her struggle to do her family proud. This audience investment is due to Pena's performance as well as Cruz's storytelling. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2019]