THE TOWN OF BABYLON

Timothy Pabon gives a masterful performance of this masterful debut. Andrés, a gay Latinx professor, returns to his hometown to take care of his aging parents. While there, he attends his 20th high school reunion and reckons with his past. Pabon expertly brings Andrés to life, portraying him in warm tones that sometimes spiral into self-righteous indignation. Andrés's first-person story is interspersed with sections told from the points of view of his parents, brother, friends, and enemies. Pabon gives them all distinct voices, highlighting their rich inner lives. He moves smoothly between English and Spanish, and delivers the many list-based monologues with a mesmerizing rhythm. This is a powerful audiobook about identity, family, and the ways that systemic injustice affects everyday life. L.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2022]