SISTER MOTHER WARRIOR

Adjoa Andoh narrates this sweeping account of Haiti's pre-revolutionary era. The formidable audiobook is based on the true story of Marie-Claire Bonheur, the first empress of Haiti, and the rebellion that liberated its enslaved people, making Haiti the first post-colonial Black-led nation in the world. Andoh's narration ranges from vulnerable to invincible, and her female characters are intensely powerful. Andoh's stately tone reveals complex nuances as she navigates heartrending scenes with skill and confidence. Moving between action and stillness, hope and despair, Andoh expertly tackles all the drama, including horrendous atrocities. The epic scale and large number of characters require a focused listener, but the investment of one's time and attention is rewarded with a deeply satisfying story and performance. M.M.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2022]