THE ARCHER

Narrator Sneha Mathan mesmerizes listeners with this coming-of-age story set in 1960s and 1970s Bombay. Using soft tones and subtle Indian accents, Mathan smoothly transitions between characters of different ages and genders. Her performance especially shines in her ability to channel Vidya, the story's strong, flawed female protagonist who grows up in poverty with her brother. Longing for her absent mother, Vidya immerses herself into kathak, a rigorous traditional dance, through which she can finally express herself. Mathan's pleasing voice and understated performance are the perfect match for Vidya's quiet strength in the face of prejudice against her gender, social class, and complexion. The author's reading of a brief essay at the end adds to the intimacy and artistic beauty of this dazzling, immersive production. V.T.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2021]