BAD BAD GIRL

Inspired by her family history in China and the U.S., Gish Jen's novel is narrated with nuance, emotional depth, and clarity of purpose by Jen Zhao. Her pitch-perfect performance enhances this multigenerational story, which revolves around a challenging mother-daughter relationship. Retaining her traditional Chinese values, Agnes, the author's mother, immigrates to the U.S. in 1947 to study psychology. Witnessing her daughter's desire for independence and career over family duty, Agnes calls her daughter a "bad bad girl." Zhao immerses listeners in this absorbing audiobook, highlighting period details while creating full-bodied portraits of a multiplicity of diverse characters. Zhao's immersion in this family story is so complete that it often sounds as if she's narrating her own family saga. M.J. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]