MY BRIGADISTA YEAR

In 1961, Castro successfully deployed hundreds of thousands of young people to bring literacy to all Cubans within one year. This fictionalized account features Lora, a 13-year-old "brigadista" from Havana who is assigned to teach, live, and work with an illiterate mountain family of farmers. Frankie Corzo's narration is spot-on. Her accented English is warm and clear, and her precise enunciation reflects the character of the intelligent and dutiful Lora, who believes firmly in her role as a teacher and literacy revolutionary for her country. Corzo's gentle voice communicates Lora's tenderness for her family and young brothers, her impatience with a fellow brigadista's romantic distractions, and her joyful pride as the adults under her tutelage learn to write their names. An inspirational and little-known piece of history. L.T. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2017]