WHILE WE'RE FAR APART

In 1943, New York City streets filled with men in uniform inspire a young father, a recent widower, to enlist. A young woman with a secret crush and ulterior motives volunteers to care for his children in their apartment, which is owned by the Jewish landlord who lives downstairs. Suzanne Toren gives the elderly landlord a strong Yiddish accent and a tone of fear when he talks about his son who is missing in wartorn Europe. Her lively characterizations of the children are appropriate for their ages and reveal their fears at their father's enlistment. The anger and disbelief of the young caregiver when she learns she's adopted are riveting as the subplot brings a new twist to the story. Toren's outstanding performance of a multifaceted drama draws listeners into an engaging novel. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]