LOVE, QUEENIE Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star

Sharmila Devar's evocative, compassionate narration suits this audio biography. Born to a South Asian mother and a Caucasian father in India, Queenie Thompson, later known as actor Merle Oberon, traveled a challenging route to become the first of her ethnicity to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Film critic Mayukh Sen, himself of South Asian descent, tells Oberon's story, along with details of his own fascination with her. Devar occasionally pauses mid-sentence, which can be awkward. Overall, however, the performance is engaging and confident, as was Oberon herself. Oberon's story of evolving wealth and fame also takes on some of her less than saintly qualities. Included throughout are detailed descriptions of the deep and painful prejudice shown to South Asians then and now. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]