Ketty McDougall’s narration of "Todos Se Van" is truly exceptional. Her voice perfectly captures the raw vulnerability and quiet strength of Nieve Guerra, immersing the listener in the deeply personal diary entries that form the heart of the story. I especially appreciated the consistency of her tone throughout the recording—it lends a sense of continuity and emotional resonance that enhances the listening experience.

McDougall’s measured pacing allows the listener to absorb the emotional weight of Nieve’s journey without ever feeling rushed. The audiobook format feels particularly well-suited to Wendy Guerra’s semi-autobiographical narrative, adding a layer of intimacy and authenticity that makes Nieve’s reflections feel immediate and real.

Wendy Guerra’s semi-autobiographical novel offers a powerful coming-of-age story that captures the emotional intensity of growing up in Cuba during a time of great social and political change. Through Nieve’s perspective, we get a unique and insightful look at the country’s political climate and the everyday challenges faced by its people. Guerra explores themes like family, first love, independence, and resilience with sensitivity and depth, and skillfully explores themes of family, first love, independence, and resilience under a restrictive regime.

The flow of the audiobook is seamless, with McDougall’s smooth transitions between diary entries and reflective passages maintaining a cohesive and engaging rhythm that mirrors the natural pace of daily life. It’s easy to get lost in Nieve’s world, and the narration helps keep everything connected.

Beyond the outstanding narration, Guerra’s writing shines. Nieve is a compelling and relatable protagonist, navigating universal experiences of self-discovery and personal growth within a unique historical context. While the political backdrop adds depth, the heart of the story is a deeply human exploration of identity, hope, and the enduring strength of the individual spirit.

I highly recommend the audiobook of Todos se van to anyone interested in Cuban history or looking for a deeply moving and beautifully told story of a young woman’s resilience. The Spanish narration brings Nieve’s journey to life in a vivid and memorable way, making it a powerful and unforgettable listen.

I really loved this audiobook experience. Todos Se Van (Everyone Leaves) follows Nieve, a young girl caught in the middle of a custody battle between her parents. As she tries to make sense of the world around her, I saw her navigate deep emotional turmoil, political tension, and personal loss. The story unfolds into a series of painful and and important events that really tugged at my heart.

This was such an emotional listen—it made me sad, reflective, and above all, in awe of the resilience of children. I also found myself feeling grateful for the stability in my life now.

This was my first audiobook in Spanish, and I was so happy that I could follow and connect with it so deeply. The emotions came through just as strongly as they would have in English, and that meant a lot to me!!!!!

A beautiful, heartbreaking, and powerful coming-of-age story!! I highly recommend, especially in audio format!

thank you so much Netgalley, Harper Audio, and Wendy Guerra for the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review!!!