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Radio Verté presents Ahuga by Corey Zimmerman.

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Ahuga begins as a coming-of-age tale set in rural America. The protagonist,

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a young boy named Oscar, grapples with his father's strict rules and expectations. Despite this,

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Oscar forms a friendship with Josefina, a Mexican girl from the impoverished side of the track.

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The story, written in a lyrical style with vivid descriptions of the characters and settings,

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unfolds against a backdrop of profound societal changes and significant historical events,

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including the rapid rise of the automobile industry and the looming threat of World War,

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culminating in a dramatic bank robbery and a chase that leaves a lasting impact on the town

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and its people. As Oscar and Josefina's relationship develops, they face adversity,

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including a violent encounter with a group of boys. This event has lasting consequences,

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shaping their understanding of societal divisions and personal resilience. Then tragedy strikes,

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leaving the young girl orphaned and on the precipice of yet another mortal tragedy that

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leaves Oscar broken and blaming his father personally for the loss. The second half of

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the novel finds Oscar hopping on a train for the city and the irresistible allure of the jazz

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culture of 1920s Chicago, where he meets Betty, a woman who introduces him to the hidden world

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of speakercies and Oscar becomes enamored with the devil's music and its flappers,

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finding solace and escape in the smoky haze of the underground clubs. Oscar's life takes yet

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another perilous turn when he meets Neve, a talented jazz singer known as Little Bird. Neve

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is involved with a dangerous gangster, Silver Dollar Sam. Despite the risks, Oscar is drawn

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to Nevaeh and they begin a passionate affair. Oscar's journey reflects the struggles of many

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during this era as they navigate the complexities of love, identity and the pursuit of the

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American dream. But no matter how hard Oscar tries, regardless of what vice he chases,

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be it jazz, liquor or sex, he can never seem to part with the one who got away,

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young Josefina and the ever-increasing desire to avenge her death.