KISSING THE VIRGIN'S MOUTH

Narrator Adriana Sananes is an excellent choice for this novel, a lively, colorful tale that is part coming-of-age and part immigrant narrative. She has an ear for the rhythm of the Spanish lines of dialogue that are scattered throughout the text. For the character of Martina, in particular, she gives herself full rein to capture a feisty and vocal female. At times, her tone can sound overly emphatic, and her rapid pace can lead to a sense of melodrama. While the listener may find it preferable to take in this story in shorter doses, as a whole, its momentum keeps one engaged. M.R. [Published: AUGUST 2014]