The Shamshine Blind Summary
The Shamshine Blind audiobook by Paz Pardo, narrated by Aida Reluzco, takes listeners on a journey through an alternate version of the United States in which psychopigments have become both a popular recreational drug and a weapon of war. The story is a mash-up of cop noir, sci-fi, and alternative history, told from the perspective of a Latinx protagonist.
The novel is set in an alternate 2009, in which the United States has been a second-rate power for a quarter of a century. This is due to Argentina's victory in the Falkland's War, which was achieved with the use of psychopigments - colorful chemicals that can produce almost any human emotion upon contact. These psychopigments have been embraced in the US as both pharmaceutical cure-alls and popular recreational drugs, and black market traders illegally sell everything from Blackberry Purple (which causes terror) to Sunshine Yellow (which delivers happiness).
The protagonist of the novel is Kay Curtida, a Psychopigment Enforcement Agent who works in Daly City, just outside the ruins of San Francisco. She spends her days chasing down small-time crooks, but her humdrum existence is suddenly given a boost when an old friend shows up with a tantalizing lead on a career-making case. This case leads Curtida down a tangled path of conspiracy and forces her to confront her own emotions and family truths.
One of the strengths of The Shamshine Blind is its world-building. The alternate version of the United States that Pardo has created is both familiar and alien. The use of psychopigments and the consequences of their misuse are explored in detail, and Pardo's descriptions of the effects of each pigment on the human psyche are vivid and imaginative.
The audiobook is narrated by Aida Reluzco, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Her performance is particularly noteworthy in her portrayal of Kay Curtida, capturing the character's wit and vulnerability. Reluzco's voice is well-suited to the noirish tone of the novel, and she manages to convey the tension and suspense of the story effectively.
At its core, The Shamshine Blind is a mystery novel, and Pardo weaves a complex web of conspiracy and intrigue that keeps the listener engaged throughout. The plot is well-constructed, and the twists and turns are surprising and satisfying. Pardo also explores themes of identity, family, and the nature of emotions in the novel, adding depth to the story.
Overall, The Shamshine Blind is a well-crafted and entertaining audiobook. The combination of sci-fi, noir, and alternative history elements creates a unique and compelling narrative, and Aida Reluzco's narration is top-notch. Fans of mystery novels and speculative fiction will find much to enjoy in this audiobook.
