LOTUS

This historical novel, inspired by the life of the author's grandmother, is narrated in dramatic fashion by Angela Lin. Any fan of literary fiction will find much to admire here. Lin is an excellent choice as narrator because of the many Mandarin names and words peppered throughout the story. The narrator's proficiency in the language creates a seamless listening experience of the ups and downs of young Lotus. Because of the warmth and precision of Lin's evocative delivery, we sympathize with the difficulties of Lotus's life of prostitution and agonize over her limited choices. Lin's lyrical style suits the poetic prose, which lingers in one's ear even after the audiobook ends. M.R. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2017]