DECEIT AND OTHER POSSIBILITIES Stories

Narrators David Shih and Cindy Kay lend their voices to Vanessa Hua's compelling short story collection, which reveals the secrets and desires of individuals straddling different cultures. Raised in immigrant families, Hua's characters are torn between their families' expectations and their desire to forge their own unique lives. Shih's fluid narration is tender, imbuing even the most flawed and exasperating characters with appealing relatability. Kay's narration contrasts sharply, partly due to her deliberate pacing but also because her perfectly controlled voice thrums with tension, revealing the desperation and rage lying beneath seemingly calm exteriors. Shih's and Kay's different yet complementary approaches combine to create an audiobook that honors the complexity of these disparate characters. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2020]