SOLDIER SAILOR

This novel, short-listed for the Woman's Book Prize, details a young mother's fatigue, frustrations, and joys at raising a trying infant who becomes a willful toddler. Simone Collins's narration benefits from her intimate and persuasive tone, as well as the lovely lilt of her Irish accent. Her performance resonates as her tone, pace, and intonation reveal the struggling mom's love. Much of the narration is addressed to "Sailor," the wailing baby, then obstinate toddler, whom Mom, the "Soldier" of the title, is raising, mostly on her own. Her husband represents the patriarchy--he goes to work early, stays late, helps little--and the couple's bickering is the soundtrack of the plot. This brief, powerful depiction of motherhood rings true and creates an immersive listening experience. A.D.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2024]