By Lynn Austin
Set in Brooklyn during World War 2, this warm-hearted story features a 24-year-old woman, Penny, who offers to care for two children when their widowed father goes off to join the war effort in Europe. Penny's selfless act is actually m motivate day her huge crush on the children's father, and she is sure he will fall in love with her as he sees what a capable woman she is. The kids do not warm to Penny, however, despite her efforts - but at least she is able to get away from her overbearing parents. What Penny learns about herself is life changing and liberating and she is able to make a meaningful contribution to the children, to their lonely neighbor (Mr Mendel, a Jewish widower who waits for news of his son, who is trapped in Hungary), and a lonely GI based at the Navy yard.Why is it that war seems to bring out the best in us? Last week, we had a "bomb cyclone", a very rare kind of winter snowstorm precipitated by very cold temperatures, warmer water over the ocean, and high winds - and resulting in snowfall of 10-14 inches around RI. I brought homemade soup to my elderly neighbor and my across-the-street neighbor brought over his snow blower and plowed our driveway. Perhaps it is only when we are in need - not afraid to be needy - that others feel free to care for us in tangible ways.
No comments:
Post a Comment