DISPLACED

Nairobi-raised Junior Nyong'o brings vocal nuance to his narration of Kenyan author Patrick Ochieng's story of children dislocated by postelection violence. When the latest cycle claims his father's life, 14-year-old Kimathi; his little sister, Ngina; and their mother find themselves in a camp for internally displaced people. There Kimathi finds much hardship but also friends and purpose. Nyong'o's prevailing tone is appropriately somber while allowing his characters full emotional range. Ochieng has been careful to draw Kimathi's friendships across ethnic lines, and Nyong'o shades his characterizations to reflect their different accents. The production accurately reflects Kenya's robust mix of cultures and gives characters and listeners hope that the violence that uprooted the family will someday cease. Powerful and affirming. V.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2025]