THE PREMONITION

This moody coming-of-age novella was a bestseller when it appeared in Japan decades ago. Now it is newly translated and appears in the audio format, narrated by Kathleen Li. She convincingly delivers 19-year-old Yayol's angst, feelings of dislocation, and vulnerability as she seeks answers about her past by trying to uncover lost memories. Li's narration is often precise and restrained. The romances featured in the story involve a love affair between adopted siblings and another between a high school student and a teacher. While they may seem inappropriate, the story suggests that love doesn't always follow the traditional pathway. This listening experience is like a Japanese watercolor--an evocative celebration of grace, love, color, and style. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2024]