THE LAUNDRYMAN'S BOY

Richard Lam narrates this coming-of-age story of 13-year-old Hoi Wing Woo with honesty and compassion. Woo, who is sent to Canada from China in 1913 by his father, is isolated, lonely, and frustrated by his mind-numbing job in a Chinese laundry. Bullying and language barriers are causing his dream of becoming a scholar to fade. Elder Uncle is demanding and impatient, while Second Uncle displays compassion and support. The prejudice of the community is ignited by Braddock, leader of the Asiatic Exclusion League, whose voice is filled with vitriol and incendiary language that foments violence. Lam shows his range as he gives Heather, a young, Irish scullery maid, a believable accent and range of emotions as she and Woo find friendship and hope for a better future. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]