THE SHAPE OF FAMILY

Shiromi Arserio and Vikas Adam deliver this story of the heartache and recovery of a multicultural California family reeling from tragedy. Karina is only 13 when her beloved brother drowns in their family pool. Arserio's restrained portrayal of Karina's anguish reveals the suppressed guilt that will afflict her for years. Mom Jaya retreats into a cocoon of spirituality, and Arserio's softly lilting voice depicts her increasing retreat to her Indian roots. Narrating the chapters from the point of view of Karina's brother Prem as he views the shattering fragments of his family after his death, Vikas Adam takes on a youthful unworried tone suitable for Prem's easy acceptance of his fate. As each family member's personal crisis deepens, they all find hope in their shared connections. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]