THE HOUSE OF EVE

Ariel Blake and Nicole Lewis provide an excellent dual narration of this fascinating look at two young Black women who confront racial, class, and gender inequities in the 1950s. Blake captivates as 15-year-old Rosa, who is striving for a college scholarship to escape her poor Philadelphia neighborhood and her mother, who chooses her boyfriends over her. Lewis superbly portrays Eleanor, originally from small-town Ohio, who navigates Howard University's competitive environment, as well as a fraught relationship with her mother-in-law, whose condescending views are unsettling. Both narrators excel at conveying the dialogue of the large supporting cast, with Blake's portrayal of Rosa's Aunt Marie's tough yet tender personality a standout. Listeners will be fully engaged as Rosa and Eleanor face their many challenges. M.J. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]