THE MIRES

New Zealand author Tina Makereti's powerful novel, set in the near future, comes alive with fellow New Zealander Stacey Leilua's narration. Three very different women living in the same neighborhood face climate change, prejudice, and inequality while struggling to survive. Keri is a Maori parent of a teenage daughter, Wairere, and 4-year-old son, Walty. Her intonation is filled with worry and concern as she navigates an unsympathetic system for the support she needs. Janet, an older white woman, is stressed and frustrated by the return of her adult son, Conor, and her changing neighborhood. Sera and her family are refugees from ecological devastation in an unnamed country. The worry in Sera's voice slowly eases as the three women support each other, finding strength in their common humanity. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2025]