WHEN WE WERE SISTERS

When poets become novelists, their prose can have a lyrical, mesmerizing quality. This is definitely the case with this heartfelt family drama about three orphaned sisters, beautifully performed by Farah Kidwai, Kamran Khan, and Deepti Gupta. The trio of narrators shine as Noreen, Aisha, and Kausar, who are left with a mercenary uncle after their father's untimely death. This is a rich listening experience, told via the observations of the youngest sister, Kausar. Kidwai, Khan, and Gupta use tender tones to characterize the girls' fight for survival. From poverty to grief and questions of sexual identity, the narrators create a vivid tapestry of the sisters' struggles and resilience. For those who are sensitive to grief, abuse, and loss, this might be a tough listen. M.R. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2022]