I AM NOT SIDNEY POITIER

Narrator Amir Abdullah is completely and blithely "Not Sidney Poitier" in this paradoxical pretzel of an audio. Not Sidney's mother died when he was 11, leaving him with his nonsensical name and a fortune in Turner Broadcasting System stock. Abdullah illuminates his struggles as he grows to manhood with a flexible and highly stylized performance. As Not Sidney faces episodes of racism, classism, and sometimes outright rage at his confusing name and surprising background, Abdullah keeps the character grounded with a narration that is staccato and dryly witty. In contrast, the people around him often have exaggerated accents and wildly flamboyant vocal mannerisms that Abdullah tackles with flair. His version of Ted Turner, equal parts charm and baffling non sequiturs, is a standout. N.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]