DIAL A FOR AUNTIES

Multilingual Risa Mei is the perfect narrator for this combination mystery/rom-com involving Indonesian-Chinese-American Meddy Chan, her mother, and her Aunties. The author's introduction states that the Aunties' broken English straddles a fine line between authenticity and stereotype and is not a reflection of their intelligence; this note is important in our age of cultural sensitivities. Mei is masterful at creating personalities for the Aunties, as well as voicing Meddy and the male characters. While the plot requires one to completely suspend disbelief, it provides insight into a culture that values family, respect for elders, and superstition. The story begins with Meddy's mother setting her up for a date that ends with the discovery of a dead body. Mayhem ensues. E.Q. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]