The introduction to James Baldwin's American classic, which takes place in 1930s Harlem, is narrated in a steady, warm voice by Roxane Gay. The story involves a series of flashbacks that explain one special day in the life of 14-year-old John. As is often the case in Baldwin's early writing, the evangelical Christian church plays a part. Narrator Joe Morton begins the novel in a commanding voice. He sets the tone for each character and forcefully hits the consonants of words, re-emphasizing the hardness of life. The various characters are revealed by his slightly changing intonation--although the story unfolds with more narrative than dialogue. Morton superbly delivers Baldwin's first novel. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine