JACOB AND THE MANDOLIN ADVENTURE

Narrator Steven Vlahos's clear, expressive voice perfectly suits this intriguing middle-grade historical fiction. The story follows the adventures of Jacob Weiss, a 13-year-old Jewish orphan with a kind heart and a passion for playing the mandolin. In 1927, when 38 children from his orphanage in Mezritsh, Poland, accept the opportunity to move to the Canadian Jewish Farm School in Ontario, Jacob's life changes forever. Vlahos's narration of the children's physical and emotional journey is thoroughly engaging, capturing the author's honest treatment of anti-Semitism, poverty, friendship, and grief. He also efficiently presents the book's extensive back matter, including historical notes, biographical details, and a comprehensive list of resources. Listening to this fascinating episode in Canadian-Jewish history is sometimes heartbreaking but always hopeful. S.A.A. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]