How Audiobook Narration Elevates Character-Driven Fiction: The Other Black Girl

Zakiya Dalila Harris’s The Other Black Girl is a brilliant example of how audiobook narration for character-driven fiction can elevate a story beyond the page.

Set in the high-stakes world of publishing, this satirical thriller explores race, ambition, and identity - all delivered through a sharply observed, emotionally layered performance by Joniece Abbott-Pratt.

How Audiobook Narration Elevates Character-Driven Fiction

Narrated by the exceptional Joniece Abbott-Pratt, this audiobook is a masterclass in how a single voice can hold multitudes.

From the very first chapter, Abbott-Pratt captures the dry wit and growing unease woven into Nella’s experience as the only Black editorial assistant at a major publishing house. Her tone is effortlessly conversational when it needs to be - humorous, even wry - yet shifts with precision as the story descends into something darker, more unsettling, and ultimately more layered.

A Performance Filled with Nuance

Abbott-Pratt’s greatest strength lies in her control and versatility. She brings dimension to every line - whether it’s a quiet moment of self-doubt or a chilling revelation. One moment in particular, near the final twist, is especially striking: her confident delivery takes on a cool, measured edge, amplifying the suspense with subtlety and restraint.

It’s this range - from intimate to eerie - that makes her performance stand out. She doesn’t oversell or dramatise unnecessarily. Instead, she allows the tension and emotion to rise naturally, giving the story space to breathe and the characters room to unfold.

What This Means for Authors

For indie authors writing character-driven fiction, The Other Black Girl is a shining example of how narration can amplify tone, deepen characterisation, and elevate the entire listening experience.

Great narration isn’t just about a pleasant voice - it’s about interpretation. It’s about rhythm, timing, and understanding the weight of the text. Abbott-Pratt does all of that and more, helping listeners connect with Nella’s inner world while holding space for the book’s biting commentary and suspenseful turns.

If you’ve ever wondered how one narrator can hold a listener from start to finish - with humour, intelligence, and edge - this is your answer.

💡 Thinking About Narration for Your Novel?

If your book has layers, wit, and a strong central voice, it deserves a narrator who can bring those qualities to life with subtlety and skill.

At Indie Audiobook Productions, we help authors find the perfect voice to match their message. We believe narration isn’t just about being heard - it’s about being felt.

🎧 Explore our narrator roster today and start planning your audiobook with the right voice at its heart.