MAGDA, STANDING

This debut novel based on the author's German immigrant heritage takes listeners back to Pittsburgh as the country faces involvement in WWI and the devastating Spanish flu. Narrator Heidi Housh brings personalities to life, distinguishing individuals in the large cast. Madga is frustrated when she's forced to leave school before her senior year to care for her baby brother and invalid mother. Her voice gains strength and assurance as she overcomes resentment and hatches a plan to continue her education while meeting her domestic responsibilities. Her immigrant father, mother, and aunts have believable German accents. Baby Richie develops a realistic toddler voice, sometimes demanding, often amazingly aware and caring. Heavy topics of war, pandemic, disabilities, and mental health are balanced with humor and hope. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2025]