Summer Lightning

Isaac and Belle meet while watching Charles Lindbergh’s departure on the world’s first transatlantic flight, then miraculously find each other again in pre–World War II New York City. Belle’s parents left Europe to find better opportunities while Isaac, who came to the U.S. alone, returns to Europe to rescue his family from Nazis. Isaac and Belle marry, have two musically gifted daughters, and establish their own textile business. The book follows the family throughout the ensuing decades, with special care taken to depict the intoxicating world of art, theater, and music that Belle is drawn into. Isaac and Belle’s children, Sophy and Vivie, take on the world in their own ways. Through all the ups and downs, family remains the tie that matters to them all. Silman’s multigenerational story is narrated by Carrington McDuffie, whose delivery is serviceable but unfortunately rather stilted. Her characterizations are thin, offering a narrow range of voices and subdued levels of emotion.