THE TURTLE OF OMAN

Peter Ganim’s dreamlike voice transports listeners to Oman, the home young Aref Al-Amri must leave in a week to go to Michigan, where his parents will attend a three-year doctoral program. Listeners will be reminded of their own experiences with change as Ganim applies the perfect blend of anxiety and misery to Aref as he stubbornly refuses to pack his suitcase. Ganim’s performance exceeds expectations by nailing the bond between Aref and his grandfather, Sidi, who helps his grandson create a pocket of courage to say goodbye to all he loves, including sea turtles, fresh apricots, and the deep blue Arabian sea. Sidi’s voice is full of love, wisdom, and a mischievous spirit, which imbue the pair’s last week together with magic. M.F.T. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2014]