While We're Far Apart

In 1943, throngs of soldiers on New York City's streets inspire a young father, recently widowed, to enlist. A young woman with a secret crush on him volunteers to care for his children in their apartment, which is above the apartment of the landlord, who is Jewish. Suzanne Toren gives the elderly landlord a strong Yiddish accent that is edged with fear when he talks about his son who is missing in war-torn Europe. Toren's lively characterization of the children is appropriate for their ages and expressive of their fears at their father's enlistment. Toren also evokes the complex feelings of the young woman when she finds out she's adopted. As narrator, Toren provides an outstanding performance of a multifaceted drama. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine


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. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine