While We’re Far Apart

Love, forgiveness and growth

Any additional comments?

A winner from Lynn Austin. From the first chapter I was drawn into the lives of the characters as they struggled to cope with loss, separation and fear during WWII Brooklyn NY. Austin explores concepts of love and family and faith on multiple levels. The story telling is complex and beautifully engaging. Another page turner pleasure to the very end.

36 people found this helpful

A BITTERSWEET STORY OF WWii

What did you love best about While We’re Far Apart?

How a woman who was barely known to two adolescents tried to care for them and make their lives as normal as possible.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way the story told stories of several people and how the war effected their lives.

What about Suzanne Toren’s performance did you like?

She did an excellent job of bringing the story to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's almost impossible to listen to this story in one sitting, but it was tempting.

7 people found this helpful

Doesn't seem like a Lynn Austin book.

I have listened to many Lynn Austin books, and I can't believe she wrote this book. To me it is boring from the very beginning. The story is shallow, and the characters are made to be very whiney people. This is not an Austin book that I would recommend. Sorry for the bad review, but this is the way I feel.

5 people found this helpful

A Wonderful, historical, WWII novel

Lynn Austin accomplished it all in this novel. Faith, hope and love immersed in each word. I leaned much about the Jewish faith, the horrors of anti-Semitism, both here and abroad, as well as a reminder that we must never allow another Hitler to inflict his insanity in our world. Bravo Ms Austin. The book was beautifully narrated and kept this reader yearning for more.

7 people found this helpful

Not Austin's best, but a solid work

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I wouldn't introduce a friend to her work with this book, but it's a good book that I would recommend.

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

Jacob Mendel. Toren's accent is perfect in this role!

Any additional comments?

this book moves along more as a character development rather than a plot-driven book. I enjoyed the growth of characters, particularly Esther's complex process of growing up and Penny coming out of her shell.
The elements of Judeo-Christian faith are incorporated, for the most part, realistically. In some ways, most characters wrestle with real questions about God's existence, whether they doubt him or are angry with him.
While some of the writing is simplistic - more so than Austin's other works - many characters tackle with real issues of growing up, facing painful truths, holding on to unnecessary baggage, and separation from loved ones.
Suzanne Toren is a good narrator for Jacob Mendel, the letters from Hungary, and portions of penny's story; however, Esther is a young character, and her story might have been better served by another narrator. This is, however, a preference, and not a reflection of Toren's talent.
A worthwhile read for inspirational fiction fans.

6 people found this helpful

Excellent story

I love Lynn Austin’s books! No need for nasty words to get your point across.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent story.

Lynn Austin never disappoints. Her characters are life like, her plots are interesting and her stories are inspiring! Lynn's fantastic ability to write takes you on a journey through historical times and biblical places and makes you feel like you were actually there. I'm always disappoint when her stories come to a close,

2 people found this helpful

Didn't know it was "Christian lit"

I bought this audio book because of the story content. As a Jewish reader I thought it would be about Europe, the Holocaust and America. So I was surprised to find the "Christian" element and only after research realized that this is "Christian lit". I forged on and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It portrayed the Jewish characters very realistically and the story was interesting and emotionally gripping, even though a little sappy. I don't know if I will read anything more by this author but this story was well narrated and enjoyable.

11 people found this helpful

A beautiful story of love and courage

What made the experience of listening to While We’re Far Apart the most enjoyable?

Suzanne Toren was very good at changing her voice and tone to differentiate between characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of While We’re Far Apart?

When Penny finally realised who is her true love.

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

Penny

If you could rename While We’re Far Apart, what would you call it?

No suggestion

Any additional comments?

This book is surprisingly good! It follows the recipe of a well written book. It has great characters, countless contrasts and abundant conflicts. I had some doubts before starting to read it because it is categorized as a Christian book. In my past experience with Christian books, I noticed that the story is often lost among all the preaching. It is not the case with this book. As a matter of a fact, the book has great historical facts and beautiful moral values.

The story is set during World War II. I can easily tell that the author researched the period well and stayed true to the events of the time. There are many characters in the story and they come in and out of each other lives. Nevertheless, the reader does not get lost as the book is well structured and each character has an important part to play in the revealing of the story. I really enjoyed it and recommend it!

1 person found this helpful

Thoroughly Enjoyable!!!

Great story, great narrator. This was different than what I expected based on the description. I knew it would be wonderful because it's a Lynn Austin but the story line was surprising even better than expected.

1 person found this helpful