Review \\ While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

The first thing I noticed about this book was its cover. The second thing: While We're Far Apart is written by one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Lynn Austin. I've yet to pick up a book by Lynn Austin that I didn't like, and I highly doubt that particular event will happen in the near future.

While We're Far Apart is the story of Penny Goodrich, a hopeful yet naive young woman, Esther Shaffer, a young girl who's faced tragedy already, and Jacob Mendel, a lonely Jewish man. Added to these intriguing characters is the backdrop of World War II; the war is a character in itself, really. With all of this, Lynn Austin crafts a beautiful tale of heartbreak, expectancy, and hope.

The greatest thing about this novel is the characters. There was not one character that was out of place and each was well developed. I have to admit that Penny Goodrich annoyed me to no end, but her story doesn't seem so unrealistic. Secretly in love with Esther's father Eddie, Penny volunteers to care for his children while he fulfills his duty as a soldier, all the while hoping Eddie will fall madly in love with her. Though she offers her services readily, she doesn't consider the full weight of her job until Eddie is far away and she is alone with his children. And amid all of this, Penny breaks free from her parent's overbearing control and discovers more about herself than she thought possible.

Esther Shaffer is only twelve when her father becomes a soldier, and she doesn't take her new life well. Her story is one of growing up and learning to be independent even when she doesn't really want to be. Her story was the most emotional for me; I suppose I was just thinking about my own growing up and lingering unwillingness to be an adult. Esther's brother Peter also struggles as his father leaves and he is forced to grow up as well.

Jacob Mendel, I think, is the most interesting character of the book. Lynn Austin uses him, a Jewish man, to focus on aspects of World War II that many non-Jewish Americans were not thinking of: the overwhelming annihilation of Jews under Hitler. Jacob has family in Hungary, and he will never give up hope that he will eventually find them and bring them to America. But in his sorrow he begins to question his Jewish faith and God. And though I'm not in complete agreement with Jewish beliefs, I do recognize the overhwelming fear that God has forgotten about you when you need Him the most. Perhaps that is the point of this entire story. Even when we are at our loneliest, someone or Someone is always there to comfort us.

While We're Far Apart is one of those books that is called fiction but makes you think that there had to have been at least a hundred other Esthers, Pennys, and Jacobs during World War II. The book is a slow-paced one and not filled with mountains of action, but to me that was a good thing. It's more of a look at daily lives, thoughts, and fears. And it works beautifully. Another plus: though I like to try to figure out the ending before I reach it, I could not figure out how this one would end (and who Penny would end up with).

While We're Far Apart is a must-read for readers who enjoy historical fiction, or for those who just like good books.