BOTM January 2023 In Time of Need

[Celia]

From Audible:

This award-winning collection of Barbadian stories showcases the controversial and often hidden aspects of a Caribbean paradise. Love, relationships, and the human condition are explored through surprisingly humorous narratives on politics in the rum shop, sex-tourism, domestic abuse, and much more. Shakirah Bourne writes in a satirical and humorous style that is brilliantly realised through the voice talents of Levi King, Janelle Gilkes, and Ayesha Gibson-Gill. Featuring authentic Barbadian accents that bring the author's style of wry humour from the "mouth of babes" to life, the audiobook is also enhanced by atmospheric sound.

[Gail]

This book is an excellent example of how different a reading versus listening experience can be. The beautifully lyrical Barbados accents of the narrators creates a light, rhythmic mood that gave me a true sense of the island’s friendly culture. However, the content of this book is not at all light. The stories are about sex trafficking, domestic abuse, and broken homes. Chills ran up my spine a number of times when I read or reread a story. The written voices are often of children or innocents and their naïveté really punctuated the chill. A very interesting book to be able to hear paradise and be chilled by the other side of it.

[Amanda]

I agree that it was a treat to listen to the audiobook: the sounds, music, and accents really did add to it. I loved what you said here Gail about: "The written voices are often of children or innocents and their naïveté really punctuated the chill. A very interesting book to be able to hear paradise and be chilled by the other side of it."

Such a great observation, that is how I felt about it too!

Some standouts for me were:
-the woman's monologue about covering for her cousin in the death of a revealed sexual assaulter.
- The boy dying in the company of the police officer who has since become jaded about who his job really protects.
-The part that was narrated by a crab (what?!) but made a great point on the impact of the tourist industry on biodiversity and space for the financially disadvantaged.

I gave it 4 stars.

[Celia]

Amanda wrote: "I agree that it was a treat to listen to the audiobook: the sounds, music, and accents really did add to it. I loved what you said here Gail about: "The written voices are often of children or inno..."
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