SEASON OF THE SWAMP

Thom Rivera narrates Herrera's latest novel, which features Benito Juarez, the first Indigenous president of Mexico, who was in office from 1858 to 1872. This short yet unhurried work takes place in the 18 months of Juarez's exile in New Orleans. He funds his exile with odd jobs and spends his days drinking coffee with fellow outcasts. Rivera's clear narration delivers flawless pronunciations of Spanish and French vocabulary. With little vocal distinction between characters, Rivera amplifies Juarez's feverish view of New Orleans. While Juarez finds his own version of freedom, he observes the injustices of slavery, which makes up much of the city's commerce. At times cerebral, this novel reimagines a pivotal time in Mexico's history. C.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]