EXQUISITE THINGS

Arya Shahi and Michael Crouch give emotional performances of this 130-year love story. Shahi voices Shams, whose life changes forever one day in 1895 when a wish he makes grants him immortality. Shahi captures all of Shams' passion, youthful stupidity, later remorse, and ongoing love of life. Crouch voices Oliver, whose life becomes inextricably linked with Shams' when they fall in love in 1920. Crouch depicts Oliver's quieter personality, often filling his voice with confusion, doubt, and anger. Both narrators bring to life these two very different characters and the worlds they move through, ranging from 1920s Boston to 1980s Brixton. An ambitious but satisfying tour-de-force journey through queer history and a celebration of all kinds of queer love. L.S. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]