FIFTY WORDS FOR RAIN

Six narrators collaborate to tell the story of Nori, a biracial child born out of wedlock to an aristocratic family in postwar Japan. Robin Eller, the main narrator, portrays the despised little girl left with her cruel, arrogant grandparents. Listeners hear her vulnerability and her longing for love. The arrival of her half-brother, Akira, brightens her life. Akira is portrayed by Louis Ozawa, who captures Akira’s kindness, self-control, and focus. Another outstanding performance is that of Jeena Yi, who animates the madam, Kiyomi, who runs a house of prostitution. Her voice is worldly-wise and tough but shows a hint of compassion. This sweeping coming-of-age epic is dramatic, at times melodramatic, and told by narrators with empathy for the characters they portray. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]