2043...(A MERMAN I SHOULD TURN TO BE) Black Stars

Narrator LeVar Burton starts off this audiobook by delivering the marketing pitch for the human modification that will turn Black Americans into sea creatures, if they so choose. Nisi Shawl's near-future story finds takers for a reparation offer that has a catch: The 40 acres on offer to each individual are in the ocean, and the modifications are needed to live there. Burton mostly narrates the thoughts of Darden, a music star who has accepted the offer. He stays optimistic even as he and listeners start to see problems popping up, including attacks by white supremacists. Burton also creates other characters and narrates various texts that illuminate story points with believability and hints of irony. This story builds to a shocking realization for Darden and listeners. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2022]