While We're Far Apart is an amazing book on so many levels. In it, Lynn Austin addresses issues faced by those on the home front as loved ones fought overseas during WWII. The characters are well drawn and realistic. The interweaving of lives of those living in the same apartment building in Brooklyn is so well done. Secondary characters blend in perfectly, completing the story.Penny Goodrich has a crush on a young widower, Eddie Shaffer, and is falling in love. She longs for the day when he will return from the war and fall in love with her as well. She has set her sights on becoming the new Mrs. Eddie Shaffer. Meanwhile, Penny has volunteered to care for Eddie's two children, Esther and Peter, who are not adjusting well to their father's absense.
The other main character is Jacob Mendel, the Jewish landlord, who has lost faith in God. Through twists and turns in the plot, and the revealing of a number of secrets, Lynn manages to keep her readers engaged in this 'page-turner'. This was a book I couldn't put down.
It is obvious that Lynn has researched the time period very well. We learn a great deal about Jewish life, as well as about the situation in war-torn Hungary.
I enjoy novels written about this historical period, and have had a fascination for as long as I can remember on the effects of war on children. This book is perfect on all counts.
There are several themes running through this story, one of which is how God reveals His love and presence , even when He is silent. This is a book which I highly recommend for those who love historical fiction set in the WWII time frame. There are enough details to bring the story to life, without bogging the reader down with too many facts. Bravo, Lynn. I give this book 5 stars!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
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