While it may have been slow moving, and I even put it aside for a few days to read something else, this book as a whole surprised me, and I finished it with the feeling that - I LOVED this book. The story and dynamic characters are beautifully written - I highly recommend this to all readers, but especially to those who enjoy reading novels set during WWII. I love historical fiction and I found this one to have a very unique storyline for a WWII historical fiction novel. Set in Brooklyn, New York, Lynn Austin incorporates several perspectives of love and loss that so many faced during this long and tragic war. The overwhelming sense of loneliness and the question of "Where is God?" at a time of such horror weighs on each character, and yet faith, hope, miracles, family and love prevail. I just finished this book in the Walmart parking lot after dropping my kids off for school, that's how much I couldn't put it down. This book was good in so many ways. Touching, sad, hopeful, tender, and enlightening. One of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read, but without being overly complicated itself. I found myself pausing in between reads to think about what I just read. Having read a few other WWII era books, I appreciated how the author wove the Jewish and Christian perspectives together in this one. I found myself echoing what many were going through during that time: mutual understanding and gaining perspective of others. I love how simple-minded yet wise some of the characters were. I love how everyone evolved throughout. And most of all I loved the underlying feeling of hope. Such a great book.
What do You think about While We're Far Apart (2010)?
What's great story! I love this author. Second book I have read of hers and it was very heartfelt.
—Lafo
a must read! you won't be bored. you will want to read til the end and wish for more.
—nvelpula
The Jewish perspective was interesting in this book.
—toy
