Narrator Tavia Gilbert takes listeners on a difficult journey in the voice of Roshen, a 16-year-old Muslim Uyghur from rural China who is forced to leave her family to work in a factory thousands of miles away. Roshen’s fear and horror at her new life are skillfully conveyed by Gilbert; her tone and characterization perfectly reflect the bleak situation Roshen and the girls she works with find themselves in. The Uyghur girls bond as they suffer cultural discrimination, inhumane work conditions, and exploitation by factory bosses. Gilbert’s compassionate portrayal highlights Roshen’s transition from a scared farm girl to a brave and empathetic leader. This workplace story, based on the actual experiences of Uyghur people in China, is a haunting account of strength and survival. AudioFile Magazine

Roshen is an intelligent, dutiful 16-year-old Uyghur girl growing up in northern China. She dreams of marrying her childhood sweetheart, becoming a teacher, and raising a family. These dreams come crashing down when her teacher notifies her that she must work for one year in a factory in a southern city. Although the job is presented as an honor, the truth is more sinister: the government will seize Roshen’s family’s farm if she does not agree. Gilbert reads this tale of sacrifice in a clear, evenly paced voice, allowing listeners to hear correct pronunciations of words spoken in both Mandarin and Uyghur. At the novel’s open, Gilbert speaks with a graceful, proud tone that reveals Roshen’s education and status. As the story progresses, and the girls working at the factory endure abuse and neglect, Gilbert’s voice becomes softer, weaker, and tinged with desperation. Gilbert’s wonderfully effective narration lets listeners experience Roshen’s heartbreak and feel vindicated at the eye-opening story’s eventual, hopeful end. Booklist