THE WIDOW AND HER HERO

This latest novel from Tom Keneally--best known for the book upon which Schindler's List was based--returns to his favorite theme: heroism in war. The title refers to Grace and Leo, an Australian couple who marry in the midst of WWII. Leo is a commando charged with making daring raids on Japanese ships, a mission from which he ultimately does not return. Actress Beverly Dunn is note perfect as Grace, who relates the story decades later in a series of remembrances during which Leo's fate is slowly revealed for the listener. Snippets of Leo's own words are woven through in the voice of David Tredinnick, and the technique effectively ties together the narratives of these wartime lovers. D.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2008]