HOMBRECITO

André Santana narrates this queer coming-of-age story with tenderness that will touch listeners' hearts. The story begins with 6-year-old Santiago's arrival in the U.S. from Colombia with his mother and half-brother. As they settle in place, his mother, who is always working, often leaves Santiago to his own devices. As Santiago matures, he discovers and embraces his queer identity while he grapples with intense emotions. As an adult, he reflects on his relationships with his mother and his absent father, as well as his relationships with boyfriends. Santana's smooth voice elegantly conveys Santiago's quiet turmoil. Santana ably portrays the other characters with slight changes in timbre, narrating in Spanish when necessary. His narration helps listeners appreciate this deep contemplation of family, immigration, and queer identity. A.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2024]