A COMPLICATED KINDNESS

From the moment Nomi Nickels begins her story, listeners know something's wrong in her life. Cara Pifko's narration in young Nomi's voice makes that clear from the start, taking on shades of anger, petulance, and rebellion as listeners ponder the reasons behind the departures of her sister, Tash, and her mother, not to mention the strange actions of Nomi herself and her father. At first, her rant seems like typical teen angst, but soon it reveals the hurtfulness of the Mennonite practice of shunning those who go against their dictates. Pifko makes listeners care as Toews slowly unveils Nomi's story. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]