CITY OF LAUGHTER

Mara Wilson does a wonderful job narrating the complex and sweeping story of Shiva Margolin, a young queer woman who finds herself mired in generations of family secrets and pain. Full of Jewish folklore, with flashes back to eighteenth-century Ropshitz, Poland, then known as the City of Laughter, this story could potentially be confusing for the listener. Using tone, inflection, pitch, and variations of accents, Wilson does well in differentiating the characters. Shiva is dealing with heartbreak, grief, and family mysteries, and as Shiva seeks answers and cohesion through history and folklore, Wilson navigates the journey with finesse. Listeners will find this audiobook both intimate and powerful. C.F. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2024]