TORN

This YA listen is compelling, thanks to a riveting story and an engaging narrator. As Ellie, a British medic new to Afghanistan, settles in to her unit, she encounters pushback from her roommate, befriends a mysterious Afghan girl clad in blue, participates in a clandestine operation, and meets an American lieutenant. At first, one might find Saskia Maarleveld's British accent and precise diction too formal for such a story. Yet, as Ellie rises to each new challenge, Maarleveld's voice underscores her pluck and compassion for the children she encounters. Maarleveld brings a gruffness to her male characters and a tone of belligerence to those fighting for survival. Middle grade and young adult listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of Afghanistan and its people. A.R. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]