KING OF THE ARMADILLOS

Feodor Chin recounts this illuminating story of a Chinese American youth sent to an institution for those with leprosy, more benignly called Hansen's disease. Taking place in the 1950s, it is a coming-of-age novel that includes phobias, prejudice, teen romances, family obligations, and a considerable amount of medical information. Chin, an experienced actor, displays his skills in his many characterizations. He captures the Southern, educated voice of Dr. Bayer, the skilled surgeon who treats Victor, the protagonist, and gives credible voices to the nursing sisters and the many other patients, as well. He also ensures that the subplots and tangential characters--all interesting and relevant to the story--are vibrantly real. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]