Perhaps I am late to the game reviewing a book that was published back in 2010 AND a Christy Award winner, but after reading it this past weekend I knew I had to write a review. Set in WW2 at the home front, Lynn Austin brings to life difficult questions few are willing voice.

Penny Goodrich is an uncertain young woman who offers to care for her neighbors children while he is away at war. Out on her own for the first time, she slowly starts to break free from the lies she has been told her entire life.

Young Esther, heartbroken when her father chooses to leave her and her brother after their mothers death to serve in the army, she finds herself in the care of someone she hardly knows and doesn’t trust. Angry at God and searching for answers, she finds herself seeking out her elderly landlords company.

Widowed Mr. Mendel has shut everyone out. Angry and alone he soon finds two children on his doorstep and soon discovers they have more in common than he first realizes.

While We’re Far Apart is a story that dives into the question “where is God in the midst of suffering?” Taking inspiration from the book of Esther, Lynn Austin weaves a story that shows God’s hand at work, even when we don’t see it.

If you are looking for something a little more somber, and enjoy historical fiction this book will be right up your alley. If you read the back of this book you might think that it is a historical romance, but that is far from the focus of this story and is not the plot point that drives the story forward.

CONTENT

Sexual content- light. Rape is mentioned. Ill intent is insinuated. A few kisses.

Violence- light. A synagogue is burned down. Anti-Semitic slurs and threats.

Cursing-no cuss words but some anti Semitic slurs

Spiritual content- light. Mr Mendel is Jewish and while he isn’t Christian his insight into the story of Esther help them all heal. Biblical worldview is portrayed, but lightly as the theme of the book is about our responses to when we feel like God is silent or absent.