Get ready to dive into a gripping and emotionally charged coming-of-age story, my friends. Lucy Sanna, the brilliant author behind this captivating audiobook, takes us on a journey that explores the hidden side of the home front during World War II. And let me tell you, it's not your typical war narrative.
Narrated by the amazing Suzanne Toren, this audiobook transports you to a small farm community in Wisconsin, where the Christiansen family is struggling to cope with the devastating effects of the war. Rationed food, scarce money, and the absence of their son and most of the local men fighting in Europe create an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.
Amidst this turmoil, we meet Charlotte, a formidable and determined woman who is determined to keep her family fed. Her teenage daughter, Kate, has big dreams of becoming a writer and supports the family by raising rabbits. But things take an unexpected turn when their upcoming cherry harvest is threatened.
Enter Charlotte, the fearless hero of our story, who manages to persuade the local authorities to allow German prisoners of war from a nearby camp to come and pick the fruit. A risky move, indeed. But when Thomas, Charlotte's husband, befriends one of the prisoners, a teacher named Karl, and invites him to tutor Kate, the consequences of Charlotte's decision become far more complicated than anyone could have imagined.
As the story unfolds, we witness the intertwining lives and secrets of these characters. Charlotte and Thomas get so caught up in the daily responsibilities of overseeing the prisoners that they fail to notice Kate's blossoming womanhood, complete with dreams and temptations of her own. One of these temptations includes a secret romance with the son of a wealthy and morally dubious senator who is profiting from the war.
But hold on tight, my friends, because when their beloved son, Ben, returns home from the war, full of bitterness and anger toward Germans, Charlotte's secrets threaten to unravel their world. Will they manage to navigate this precarious situation and keep their family intact?
Sanna's storytelling is masterful, pulling you into the lives of these characters and evoking a wide range of emotions. Suzanne Toren's remarkable narration brings each character to life, making you feel like you're right there with them, experiencing their joys and heartaches.
Now, I must warn you that this gripping tale has a few bumps along the way. While the story itself is engrossing, some listeners may find the pacing to be a bit slow at times. As a result, I would give this audiobook a rating of 3 out of 5. But hey, don't let that deter you from giving it a listen. Despite its flaws, it's a thought-provoking and poignant tale that will leave you contemplating the power of love, secrets, and the consequences of our decisions.
So, grab your headphones and prepare to be transported to a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and the war reaches far beyond the battlefields. This audiobook will keep you on the edge of your seat for its 9 hours and 12 minutes duration, taking you on an unforgettable journey through the depths of human nature. Get ready to listen, my friends, because you're in for an emotional rollercoaster like no other.
