The Wrong Way Home

Caitlin Kinnunen’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook, transforming Fern’s internal monologue into a living, breathing force. She nails the balance between childlike vulnerability and fierce determination, giving Fern a voice that crackles with authenticity. Kinnunen’s delivery is never over-the-top, but her subtle shifts in tone—softening for moments of tenderness, tightening with urgency when Fern’s world tilts—make the audiobook feel like a private conversation between the narrator and the listener. The production quality is stellar, with no distracting background noise to pull focus from the story’s emotional core. The book’s pacing is its strongest asset, hurtling Fern (and the listener) toward the truth at a speed that feels both inevitable and breathless. The slow reveal of Fern’s family secrets is masterfully executed, with each new clue landing like a gut punch. That said, the ending wraps up a touch too neatly for my taste—some threads could’ve used more fraying to leave room for lingering questions. And while the narration is stellar, Kinnunen occasionally slips into a slightly sing-song cadence that, while age-appropriate, can feel a bit too polished for the raw edges of Fern’s emotional journey. Still, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a gripping, thought-provoking listen that will leave young readers—and adults—re-examining the stories they’ve been told.