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the way she spoke
Imagine living with a fear so visceral each day that simply walking down the street draws terror to one's core. That's the best case scenario for a woman on the streets of Juárez, Mexico. Kate del Castillo (La Reina del Sur) delivers a stunning one-woman performance that transports listeners from a New York stage to the treacherous streets of Juárez, Mexico, where thousands of women have been murdered in an ongoing epidemic of violence. Written by Isaac Gomez (Steppenwolf's La Ruta) and based on his intimate interviews, the way she spoke is a raw and riveting exploration of responsibility and follows one playwright's journey to give voice to a city of women silenced by violence, fear, and a world that has turned a deaf ear to their stories. This poignant and unforgettable play is directed by Obie and Lucille Lortel-winner Jo Bonney.
1 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 24, 2020
3.5 stars. At just over an hour, this is a quick, but very intense listen. Every time I read a book about Mexico, I am shocked to the core about the plight of females in this country. Because I wondering why we don't hear more about these disappearances in the media etc, I tried googling some stats and was shocked to find the below stat about my own country:
South Africa is said to have the highest statistics of gender-based violence in the world, including rape and domestic violence (Foster 1999; The Integrated Regional Network [IRIN], Johannesburg, South Africa, May 25, 2002).
Even though most of us are lucky enough to live a life that allows us to think that women's rights have improved drastically, we forget that even in our own countries there are many females (young and old) that does not experience this.
Kate del Castillo does an amazing job narrating this upsetting one woman play about the missing women of Juarez.
South Africa is said to have the highest statistics of gender-based violence in the world, including rape and domestic violence (Foster 1999; The Integrated Regional Network [IRIN], Johannesburg, South Africa, May 25, 2002).
Even though most of us are lucky enough to live a life that allows us to think that women's rights have improved drastically, we forget that even in our own countries there are many females (young and old) that does not experience this.
Kate del Castillo does an amazing job narrating this upsetting one woman play about the missing women of Juarez.
January 27, 2020
This was emotional, raw and riveting. An Audible original ready by Kate del Castillo about the missing women of Juarez, it drew me in and I didn't want to stop until it was finished. I listened to it while I was at work and that probably wasn't the best idea, but it was really well done and heart rending and truth be told, it was shocking! I know women are treated poorly in a lot of places around the world, but today you just really hope for a better world and Juarez surely isn't it. There shouldn't even be a women in that place; it is truly disturbing.
As I worked my way through the story and all of the violence and fear of the women that are there, it really tore at me. And then as you work your way to the end, Kate del Castillo starts to read off the names of the murdered, raped and missing women and children and their age! And the tears began to well up in my eyes as the ages ranged from three (3), yes, you read that correctly, three (3) years of age, raped and murdered to women in their nineties raped and cut down. I can't remember the number of missing and murdered women, but it was something astounding, shocking, mortifying.
All in all, this was a great read/listen. I am glad that I took the time and my prayers are with all of those families with missing women and girls. My heart truly breaks.
As I worked my way through the story and all of the violence and fear of the women that are there, it really tore at me. And then as you work your way to the end, Kate del Castillo starts to read off the names of the murdered, raped and missing women and children and their age! And the tears began to well up in my eyes as the ages ranged from three (3), yes, you read that correctly, three (3) years of age, raped and murdered to women in their nineties raped and cut down. I can't remember the number of missing and murdered women, but it was something astounding, shocking, mortifying.
All in all, this was a great read/listen. I am glad that I took the time and my prayers are with all of those families with missing women and girls. My heart truly breaks.
August 30, 2020
This emotional nonfiction piece is based in Juarez, Mexico, where thousands of women face the prospect of murder. Gomez asks a friend to introduce him to various families of these missing, presumed murdered women. And in this short audio, we meet them too.
The mothers, sisters, and best friends grieving their loss. They explain circumstances and tell us about their loved ones. A city with violence at epidemic levels produces raw and heart wrenching content. This may be brief, but be prepared for intensity as you listen to this.
The mothers, sisters, and best friends grieving their loss. They explain circumstances and tell us about their loved ones. A city with violence at epidemic levels produces raw and heart wrenching content. This may be brief, but be prepared for intensity as you listen to this.
December 29, 2019
Reposting after the deletion of 12 Audible Originals Dec. 17-19, 2019.
Goodreads purged about 12 (that I could identify) Audible Original audiobooks at the end of the year 2019 as they apparently did not meet guidelines. Those audiobooks that have been converted from podcasts are apparently the main issue. Others that are short novellas, memoirs or audio productions of theatrical plays may be restored. This current edition of the audio production of the play The way she spoke is a new listing and not a restoration. Hopefully it will not be deleted. Thanks in advance to Goodreads and SuperLibrarians who listen to appeals!
Original Review:
Chilling story of Las muertas de Juárez
Review of the Audible Originals audiobook adaption (2019) of the author's stage play
the way she spoke (the title is stylized in lower case letters) is a disorienting experience that does require extra concentration by the audience in order to follow the changing points-of-view in the story. This is more so in the audio version as I'm sure that the visual cues in the theatrical version would make a big difference. Overall, the play is staged at one remove from the material as it is introduced as if it is an actress sight-reading a play (which could very well be the author's own La Ruta (The Route) (2018), a work for several performers based on the same material for Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago). She begins with patter about her workday and other auditions and then during the reading will occasionally make remarks or observations to the author (who is silent).
The audition reading device serves to transform Gomez's earlier work into a one-person performance but also acts as a means to shield the audience from a direct portrayal of the horror of the story of the murdered and disappeared women of Juarez. Castillo has to play the several roles of the bantering actress, to act the roles of the various interviewees and then as the audience's proxy as she reacts to the material. It is a visceral and heart-wrenching performance and story.
the way she spoke was one of the free Audible Originals for members in the month of October 2019. It is available to everyone for purchase at the regular price.
Goodreads purged about 12 (that I could identify) Audible Original audiobooks at the end of the year 2019 as they apparently did not meet guidelines. Those audiobooks that have been converted from podcasts are apparently the main issue. Others that are short novellas, memoirs or audio productions of theatrical plays may be restored. This current edition of the audio production of the play The way she spoke is a new listing and not a restoration. Hopefully it will not be deleted. Thanks in advance to Goodreads and SuperLibrarians who listen to appeals!
Original Review:
Chilling story of Las muertas de Juárez
Review of the Audible Originals audiobook adaption (2019) of the author's stage play
the way she spoke (the title is stylized in lower case letters) is a disorienting experience that does require extra concentration by the audience in order to follow the changing points-of-view in the story. This is more so in the audio version as I'm sure that the visual cues in the theatrical version would make a big difference. Overall, the play is staged at one remove from the material as it is introduced as if it is an actress sight-reading a play (which could very well be the author's own La Ruta (The Route) (2018), a work for several performers based on the same material for Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago). She begins with patter about her workday and other auditions and then during the reading will occasionally make remarks or observations to the author (who is silent).
The audition reading device serves to transform Gomez's earlier work into a one-person performance but also acts as a means to shield the audience from a direct portrayal of the horror of the story of the murdered and disappeared women of Juarez. Castillo has to play the several roles of the bantering actress, to act the roles of the various interviewees and then as the audience's proxy as she reacts to the material. It is a visceral and heart-wrenching performance and story.
the way she spoke was one of the free Audible Originals for members in the month of October 2019. It is available to everyone for purchase at the regular price.
January 28, 2020
This one disappointed me. The story brings attention to a horrific subject by garnering readers’ sympathy through use of graphic shock value. Unfortunately, it didn’t offer much else. It provided little to no context for someone coming in completely ignorant. I was often confused. I had to rewind and re-rewind some parts. I tried hard to follow and understand more. In the end, the format was an artsy-fartsy mess, disjointed, and not engaging. The narrator was grating. Hopefully, this story has been or will be done better justice elsewhere and given more substance than it was here.
January 6, 2020
The Audible copy of this play begins with the following: "Warning: portions of this performance include mature language and themes, including description of violence against women. Listener discretion is advised." I wholeheartedly agree. This book was powerful and extremely troubling. I would only amend that warning by saying "...graphic description of violence..." No act is described in the process of it's occurrence, but the state of numerous women's bodies, both possibly where and how they were found and also what the coroner (I'm assuming) deduced from their bodies. As is stated several times throughout the book, this senseless violence is "f*cked up." The world in which the women of Juárez, Mexico (and countless others throughout Mexico) live is terrifying. Kate del Castillo's performance is incredible. The amount of emotion she was able to put into the story with her voice only served to make it more moving. Despite (or maybe because of) the unpleasant nature of this play's content, I would highly recommend it.
October 30, 2020
I'm utterly speechless. Those poor women and those poor families. Sounds like something from Dante's Inferno, a country run by cowards ruled by thugs. Good people struggling among truly abhorrent people, no wonder so many families seek asylum elsewhere.
I'm horrified that American companies have contributed to this and make no mistake they are at the center if it, American businessMEN, the Epsteins of the world and there are many, Los Aztecas and all sorts of soulless predators.
Disgraceful arrogance, greed, our allegiance to capitalism and apathy does not excuse us from shared humanity.
I'm horrified that American companies have contributed to this and make no mistake they are at the center if it, American businessMEN, the Epsteins of the world and there are many, Los Aztecas and all sorts of soulless predators.
Disgraceful arrogance, greed, our allegiance to capitalism and apathy does not excuse us from shared humanity.
December 28, 2019
This is a beautifully done audio play about the femicides in Juarez, Mexico. It's a short listen so there's no reason for you not to stop what you're doing and listen right now. Kate del Castillo does a wonderful job narrating the play, and Isaac Gomez writes a captivating story. I highly recommend for those interested in the murders in Juarez as well as true crime in general.
March 14, 2026
Harrowing stories of women murdered, mutilated and tortured in Juarez, Mexico. A border town directly across from El Paso Texas.
Some as young as 15.
Kate del Castillo is a controversial figure. She interviewed El Chapo. Notorious leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel.
I knew her from the first show I saw her in Ingobernable and then La Reina del Sur.
She puts in a real tour de force performance in The Way She Spoke. It is just a little over an hour long. It should have been at least 3 hours.
More time needs to be devoted to the victims of crime. Most of the time its the villains that get the exposure. The notoriety. The fame.
Not enough people care about the victims. Most could not name any of the victims of Ted Bundy, Jack the Ripper or John Wayne Gacy.
This is the real tragedy. They suffered at the hands of these monsters.
Then they suffered through lack of care or recognition. Completely forgotten.
This audiobook gives some recognition to those that would have remained nameless otherwise.
The only negative is I wish they had toned down the theatrics. It is completely unnecessary.
Memorable Quote: "These women have been through enough Mierde..."
I agree. This is well worth a listen
Some as young as 15.
Kate del Castillo is a controversial figure. She interviewed El Chapo. Notorious leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel.
I knew her from the first show I saw her in Ingobernable and then La Reina del Sur.
She puts in a real tour de force performance in The Way She Spoke. It is just a little over an hour long. It should have been at least 3 hours.
More time needs to be devoted to the victims of crime. Most of the time its the villains that get the exposure. The notoriety. The fame.
Not enough people care about the victims. Most could not name any of the victims of Ted Bundy, Jack the Ripper or John Wayne Gacy.
This is the real tragedy. They suffered at the hands of these monsters.
Then they suffered through lack of care or recognition. Completely forgotten.
This audiobook gives some recognition to those that would have remained nameless otherwise.
The only negative is I wish they had toned down the theatrics. It is completely unnecessary.
Memorable Quote: "These women have been through enough Mierde..."
I agree. This is well worth a listen
December 29, 2021
What happened to the disappeared ones in Juarez? Local women and girls, out in the city working at their factory jobs or shopping, walking home or getting off the bus, missing, some whose bodies were found in the desert. Most never found. We used to talk about them when I was in high school nearby. This was why you didn't go to Juarez to party, even though the drinking age was 18. This was why you were careful if you went out in El Paso. Our curiosity, tales of warning to other high schoolers, but never a resolution. It was the police. The narcos. The gangs. They were prostitutes (nope).
This play brings these girls and women to the forefront. We still don't know what is happening to them. Or where all of the women who disappeared are. People look the other way bc they are involved, or because those who ask questions also end up dead. A mystery with no satisfying ending. Bc so many are complicit and the killing will not stop. I am glad to know the names of the women. I will remember them.
This play brings these girls and women to the forefront. We still don't know what is happening to them. Or where all of the women who disappeared are. People look the other way bc they are involved, or because those who ask questions also end up dead. A mystery with no satisfying ending. Bc so many are complicit and the killing will not stop. I am glad to know the names of the women. I will remember them.
July 20, 2020
A riveting, painful audio play about the missing and murdered women (including girls as young as 3 and women in their 90s) of Ciudad Juarez. Many were abudcted and killed on their way home from working at the border area maquiladoras, while others were apparent victims of domestic violence. The story is framed as an actress auditioning for a part and reading the script of this play, from the opening lines in which she's worried about having spilled coffee en route to the audition to the end where she can't bear to read any more of the hundreds or thousands of names of the victims, most of whose killings are unsolved, or in which the likely suspects have eluded any form of justice. I suspect most listeners will be saddened and angry not only about what has happened and continues to happen in this particular city but in countless other places around the world on a daily basis.
August 27, 2021
I listened to this on audible and it’s a very powerful and poignant performance. I knew about the pink crosses of Juarez, Mexico but I didn’t realize those crosses represent so many women! 398 pages worth of accounts of physical and/or sexual assault and ultimately murder. The ages of the victims range from 3 to their 90s…. Most of the victims were attacked trying to go to work using rapid transit or by foot. Anyone who has been to Juarez knows the extreme poverty that surrounds it. It’s a quick listen, only an hour or so. Very intense and relevant. If you’re looking for a feel good, Hallmark movie feel, this would not be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for awareness about multi-cultural gender issues… this would be a great choice.
November 22, 2023
Dang. This is a seriously heavy listen but definitely compelling.
The format confused me a little bit because I'm not used to plays that are nonfiction, nor am I used to one-person plays, nor am I used to audio dramas. But I got it eventually. In case anyone else is confused, this is the premise: this is a one-woman audio play and the premise is an actress is reading a script written by a male relative in which he goes to Mexico to interview people about all the disappearing women there. It is very, very heavy and pulls no punches. It was hard to listen to, heartbreaking and disturbing. I can't really say much else about it.
The format confused me a little bit because I'm not used to plays that are nonfiction, nor am I used to one-person plays, nor am I used to audio dramas. But I got it eventually. In case anyone else is confused, this is the premise: this is a one-woman audio play and the premise is an actress is reading a script written by a male relative in which he goes to Mexico to interview people about all the disappearing women there. It is very, very heavy and pulls no punches. It was hard to listen to, heartbreaking and disturbing. I can't really say much else about it.
May 17, 2020
This is a very hard book. Extremely graphic but it kind of needs to be. The purpose of this book seems like it's to bring awareness of the dangers, the extreme amount of gender discrimination and violence toward Mexican woman in Juárez. I 100% believe the dangers exist. But I don't haven't fact checked this book. And I can't really decide if this book is sensationalist or truly trying to bring about change.
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December 28, 2020Daraldım valla okurken ama herhalde amacı buydu? Veya belki başka bir okuyucu için yazılmıştı bilemedim. Akrabalar ortaokulda lisede filan derlerdi, tek başına minibüse binme, inince doğru eve gel, akşam ezanından sonra dışarı çıkma, etek giyme, bilmediğin insanlarla konuşma vs yani çok o tattaydı. Doğru, bir sürü kişinin başına binbir türlü bela geliyor, ama ben çok böyle şeyler okumayı sevmiyorum sanırım.
May 10, 2021
Hearing abpur feminice in Mexico is never nice, but this one really makes an impact on how this women live in fear. It's a hit of reality for women all over the world. I live in Mexico and quite frankly living in privilege sometimes makes you forget this exists.
It's sad to hear the names and ages at the end, but I think it makes the most impact.
It's sad to hear the names and ages at the end, but I think it makes the most impact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2020
It was hard to rate this. The story was gripping, engagging, and tragic. The explicit descriptions of some of the victims were too extreme for me. This is not to make light of the issue. It is one the women of Juarez are still living with on an hourly basis. It was just too graphic for me.
January 26, 2020
I didn’t really feel the feelings that were supposed to be portrayed by the words until the end of the book when a list of names and ages is read. The extent of the horrific crimes is almost too much to bear but it’s also not driven across well in this book
February 9, 2020
Кратко о том, что запомнилось:
- проблема насилия и убийств женщин на американо-мексиканской границе
- безнаказанность
- путь от фабрики домой
- не будь последней пассажиркой в автобусе
- выступление одной актрисы
- проблема насилия и убийств женщин на американо-мексиканской границе
- безнаказанность
- путь от фабрики домой
- не будь последней пассажиркой в автобусе
- выступление одной актрисы
October 20, 2020
I absolutely loved it. Because it raw and it’s in your face truth! The ending was compelling - which in my personal opinion shouldn’t be surprising to anyone. I loved the way Kate read to draw you in. I felt like she was in front of me and I could see her speaking.
June 3, 2021
This covers a very serious issue that must be better covered and understood by everyone. The delivery definitely gets points for creativity but I think it would have held more power if it just focused on one family.
November 14, 2021
Breathtaking. Depressing. Short-I could have listened all at once, but then again, no, I couldn't. It was too raw. The characters may have been fictional, but the story is not. And it is not isolated to this one place.
Where are their daughters?
Where are their daughters?
March 11, 2023
Excellent narration on audible. One of the best performances I’ve listened to. The book for me fell flat though. While intense and a very quick read it lacked depth and did not have the impact I would’ve expected given the subject matter.
March 1, 2024
Libro fue escuchado en Audible. Tengo conocimiento de las mujeres de Juárez, se de lo que pasa en esa ciudad y lo triste que es ser mujer. Me encantó lo informativo y como trae luz a lo que está pasando.
Justicia para todas!
Ni una más!
Ni una menos!
Justicia para todas!
Ni una más!
Ni una menos!
July 5, 2025
This book brings horrible facts to life. The information given isn't something that is just "out there" for all to know. This version is so much better than just reading an article. This version has feelings & actually "makes" you listen.
December 30, 2025
When you go into this, you don’t expect it to be as heart wrenching as it is, especially for a single person performance, but it is. And it is so important and something that needs so much more attention. These women deserve so much - they deserve to be remembered and they deserve justice.
December 26, 2019
This story is so sad. The situation is appalling and disturbing.
January 5, 2020
I did not enjoy this one as much as the others. The narrator crying as she read the names of women who were murdered, but no solutions to save their lives.
January 10, 2020
I knew this would be hard going in, but dang... So well done, and I don't regret listening at all, but man was it hard to hear.
January 10, 2020
This is a heavy tale--graphic, terrifying, and heart-breaking because it's based on interviews with real families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews