GITA DESAI IS NOT HERE TO SHUT UP

Rukhmani K. Desai fully expresses the many facets of 1992 Stanford freshman Gita Desai. Humorous sarcasm and success in her pre-med studies communicate Gita's intelligence. Desai also voices Gita's uncertainty about her developing sexuality and first girlfriend relationships. Desai moves easily between English and Indian terms. Her voice resonates as Gita wonders about why her aunt and uncle disappeared from her life a decade ago and how she's become accustomed to constantly being told to "chup-re" (shut up). Desai builds the emotional intensity of Gita's sexual encounters, which are accompanied by fragmentary memories of sexual abuse as a child and self-blame. These culminate in a feeling of triumph as Gita finally speaks her truths. Patel's Afterword offers resources for those who need them. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]