LEARNING TO BREATHE

Narrator Chrystal Bethell's youthful voice and light Caribbean accent set the tone for this contemporary story of teenage Indira, who tries to overcome the burdens of poverty and a broken family. When Indy's grandmother sends her to Nassau to finish school, she thought she was providing the girl with shelter and opportunity. Instead, Indy faces disdain from her aunt and worse from her older male cousin. Bethell delivers the island English respectfully, giving each character a distinct voice and beautifully executing Indy's initial emotional isolation and gradual discovery of her inner strength. When Indy's thoughts flow into free verse, Bethell transitions smoothly at perfect tempo. The story's difficult themes are offset by the calming effects of Indy's discovery of yoga and the assurance that refuge and support are within reach. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2018]