FRESHWATER

This compelling audiobook features a Nigerian woman named Ada who fights the various spiritual entities that appear in her body at a young age and steadily grow as she develops. Author Akwaeke Emezi navigates the different voices residing in Ada, who is also in constant dialogue with them. As narrator, Emezi’s consistent tempo rhythmically draws listeners into Ada’s chaotic world. The meshing of voices is dark and captivating, and Emezi’s steady pitch doesn’t get in the way of the tale. It feels right. There is just enough flux in their voice to show range but not derail the plot, which takes place within the main character and manifests in dismal and, at times, violent acts. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2018]