THE WATER THAT FALLS ON YOU FROM NOWHERE

Narrator Philip Estrera conveys Matt's anxiety as he finally decides he is ready to "come out" to his Chinese parents at a family gathering. His plan is to present Gus, the man he's planning to marry. Estrera allows glimpses of Matt and Gus's sweet relationship. Matt's parents speak little English, and Gus speaks no Chinese, although they seem to understand each other from the beginning. Matt serves as translator for everyone--and for the listener because some Chinese language is included in the story. Estrera switches between English and Chinese smoothly. He reveals the frustration and anger of Matt's sister throughout their dialogue and exposes the vulnerability of both as they replay old, familiar dynamics. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]