Memorial (2003)

In Memorial, the simplest piece of this trio, Roberts uses a textured blend of narration and voicemail messages to document her mother’s decline and death.  Coming off Mei Mei and Lady Buddha, listeners are well-acquainted with their tense dynamic, with Chu-Yin’s abusive childhood and her later inability to assimilate into American culture.  We are already immersed in Roberts’ wry perspective, her atheism with purpose, and her desire to truly know her mother.  Fourteen years since listeners were introduced to Chu-Yin, we’re present at her death.  We accompany Roberts as she evolves into the role of caretaker.  We hear her mother’s tone soften and their relationship take a different form.  Memorial is a beautiful exploration of the loss of a voice in your life.