CHILD OF DANDELIONS

In the summer of 1972, Idi Amin proclaimed that Indian residents were to be "weeded out" of Uganda within 90 days. Set against that dark time line, this story illuminates the confusion and despair that Ugandan citizens of Indian descent experienced. Vaishali Sharma offers a compelling portrait of 15-year-old Sabine. Through Sabine's eyes, listeners witness a personalized, sobering picture of the loss of civil liberties (often better suited to slightly older listeners). Sharma's voice is sweet and girlish, and her Indian inflection and pacing create a fully dimensional portrait of Sabine with an authenticity that increases the story's grip. As chapters relentlessly log the passing time ("Day 63"), listeners will share a sense of the increasing fear and desperation of Sabine and her family. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2009]