The Only Road

Narrator Ramon de Ocampo creates a soft yet determined voice for 12-year-old Jamie, who escapes his Guatemalan village in hopes of reaching the United States with his 15-year-old cousin, Angela. The pair must flee or be forced to join a local gang after Angela's brother and Jamie's cousin, Miguel, are killed for refusing. De Ocampo adds drama during intense moments of their journey north when Jamie and Angela hide from law enforcement and gangs. As they meet allies and adversaries along the way, de Ocampo easily transitions from the childlike voice of Jamie to more mature tones. Listeners will be captivated by this story of bravery and determination, which reflects the dangerous trip that many asylum seekers must take to find refuge. M.D. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine