Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club

Having just returned from three years in Shanghai, Sophie Go is Toronto’s newest matchmaker—or is she? When it comes out that Sophie never actually graduated from matchmaking school, she becomes an instant pariah in the matchmaking community and struggles to find clients. Then, she discovers the Old Ducks, a group of seven Chinese bachelors, all in their 70s. Hoping to prove her worth as a matchmaker, she sets out to help them find love. Lim’s (Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop) latest is a sweet and poignant book about finding oneself and building community. Narrator Annie Q does an exceptional job of voicing characters of all ages and accents, adding atmosphere and humor to this heartfelt tale. Her depiction of Sophie’s struggles with grief, loneliness, and loyalty to culture and family is particularly moving. Listeners may also appreciate Lim’s engaging portrayal of friendship across generations.