THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN GIRLS

Narrator LuLu Lam's silvery, matter-of-fact tones are perfectly suited to portray Sol, who is trying to navigate adolescence and keep her little sister happy and safe by any means necessary. After the death of their mother, Sol and Ming's father moves from the Philippines to Louisiana with his daughters and their cruel stepmother, and then he promptly abandons them. As the narrative jumps between past and present, between misery and anticipation, Lam's range and insight guide her through a parade of intriguing characters. Kelly's story is of loss and redemption, and the power of hope to slowly transform. Lam's poise and skill give extra weight to the action, and bolster the fantastical stories that Sol uses to keep herself strong in times of despair. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2016]