THE NIGHT WE BECAME STRANGERS

Masterful narrators add emotional depth and nuance to Lorena Hughes' arresting story. Set in Quito, Ecuador, the novel unfolds across a dual timeline as Hughes explores the complicated friendship between Alicia and Marisa, two women who love the same man. First, simmering tension erupts during the 1949 riots sparked by the "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast. Then, the narrative shifts to 1957, when their children, Valeria and Mathias, form a tender romance while uncovering the truth about what happened years earlier. The superb performances propel the intriguing plot, and the narrators' seamless use of Spanish adds authenticity and richness. A shocking twist, perfectly rendered, makes this an especially captivating listen. A.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]