UNORTHODOX LOVE

Narrator Caitlin Thorburn captures the angst, poignancy, and humor in this contemporary rom-com set in Minneapolis's Modern Jewish Orthodox community. Penina, a 29-year-old jewelry saleswoman, believes she may never marry because she's infertile. While volunteering, she meets Sam, who's Jewish but doesn't practice his religion. He turns out to be her new boss. Ignoring her attraction to Sam, Penina agrees to marry a closeted gay Orthodox man to help her sister out of financial difficulties. Thorburn's female portrayals are varied and complex, but many of her male characterizations have a rough quality that is inconsistent with the men's personas. Though Thorburn's pacing and phrasing can be halting, listeners will still enjoy Penina's journey to her happily-ever-after. M.J. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2023]