Lois Lowry explores the strange mysteries of humankind, arcing around and around, circling back to the chance crossing of paths.

The story – and it is a story, collected in poetic fragments – looks both at the great behemoth of things like battleships and cities, and the small fragile people who make those behemoths whole and functional. It is a story about Pearl Harbor and war and so much more. The lyrical pacing of the audiobook, read by the author, swells and ebbs like the tides. Lowry’s calm voice broadcasts wonder and bitter loss woven together. At times, it is almost old fashioned in its simple rhyme schemes, interspersed with bouts of free verse.

Since I listened to the audiobook, I missed out on the illustrations, but found that Lowry’s narration painted a stunning mental picture.

At 38 minutes, the audiobook is lovely for a car ride or walk, but will stick with you far longer as you ponder the stories behind the things you see all around you, and the significance they may have for history.