THREE FLAMES

Narrator Cassandra Campbell leaves her distinctive mark on this audiobook. Her considerable skill with voices and pacing is immediately evident. The novel explores various points of view in a Cambodian family, illuminating moments of tradition and tragedy, hope and desolation. Campbell has no problem maneuvering through the text: Her engagement with the characters and their struggles is fully invested, and her portrayal of the action is thoughtful and clear. That said, the abundance of characters and the twists in the exposition-heavy story sometimes make this audio performance a challenge. There are many moments when a glance back at a previous page might be useful, and an audio production does not easily provide that edification. This solid performance is best suited for the focused listener, not the casual one. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2020]