FOSTER

Claire Keegan's short story is enhanced by Aoife McMahon's exquisite narration. Her soft, melodious accent is the voice of the young, unnamed narrator from an impoverished Irish-Catholic family. Her voice is hurt and unsure as her father drops her off at the home of distant relatives without a suitcase, an explanation, or a goodbye--just an admonishment: "Try not to fall into the fire, you." She wonders who these people are, why she was sent away, and whether she will ever be able to go home again. As the Kinsellas accept her, showing kindness and appreciation for her efforts to learn and help, she slowly begins to feel loved. Her voice becomes more confident as she grows and blossoms under their quiet love. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2022]