WE MUST BE BRAVE

Narrator Jayne Entwistle outdoes herself with this moving story, which takes place in England from WWII to 2010. Ellen Parr methodically assists bombing survivors brought to her village. Entwistle captures the kind, childless Parr when she discovers abandoned 4-year-old Pamela. Descriptions of the rattled evacuees, kindly townsfolk, and bewildered Pamela are atmospheric. Listeners also learn what Parr has overcome and meet her memorable circle of friends. Entwistle particularly shines as precocious Pamela and demonstrates Parr's growing love for the child. It's heartbreaking when Pamela's father, a widower, arrives. Parr's rich life--friends, nature, food--along with her constant sense of loss is impeccably conveyed. Juliet Mills's spirited narration begins in 2010, when Parr and Pamela are finally reunited in a conclusion that is satisfying without being sentimental. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2019]