THE TINY THINGS ARE HEAVIER

A'rese Emokpae brings emotional precision and depth to Sommy's struggles with migration, grief, and identity as she arrives in America on the heels of family tumult. Emokpae's voice carries a quiet intensity that reflects her struggles with guilt, cultural displacement, and complex relationships strained by distance and silence. Sommy must juggle her past and present, along with her hopes for her new life. Emokpae allows listeners to sit with these emotional undercurrents, giving space to tender and often painful moments. She handles shifts in tone--from confrontation to quiet reflection--with care. Her portrayal of Sommy's emotional arc is layered and compelling, guiding listeners through a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It's a thoughtful, immersive performance. M.R. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2025]