FALLING WISTERIA Yellow Crocus, Book 5

Bahni Turpin's narration draws listeners into the fifth in Ibrahim's Yellow Crocus series. The audiobook opens with a birth and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (Turpin gets five stars for realistic childbirth sounds.) Friends since childhood, next-door neighbors Kay Lynn and Japanese-American Kimiko face the challenges brought by WWII. Filled with fear of the unknown, they find their lives further disrupted when Kimiko's family is sent to an internment camp. Turpin underplays the occasionally sentimental dialogue and high emotions, keeping the real drama from becoming melodrama. Her sensitive descriptions of returning soldiers, both physically and mentally wounded, are flawless, and her handling of episodes of unbridled xenophobia makes this shameful period in American history all too real. Worthwhile listening thanks to Turpin's assured and compassionate performance. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]