LONG AFTER WE ARE GONE

Narrator Diontae Black delivers a wide-ranging and thoughtful performance of the estranged Solomon siblings, who reunite to bury their father and save their ancestral land. Black's voice is reserved and introspective for eldest son Junior--whose failing marriage and secret boyfriend could cost him everything. Black adds gravel to his voice for Mance, a family man who is trying to avoid another prison sentence. For the Solomon sisters, Black uses a higher pitch. His voice is sharp for CeCe, a lawyer who is embezzling from her clients; he softens his voice for Tokey, an emotional eater who wants everyone to be together again. At times, Black uses a Southern accent that evokes the novel's rural North Carolina setting. Black's soulful performance will bring listeners into the family fold. J.E.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]