The Forever Girl

by David Pagel, Harold I. Stevens

“There’s one thing you have to know from the beginning—this is a love story.” Thus begins the true story of Harold Stevens, who joined the navy as a boy in the closing months of World War II, and during the occupation of Japan encountered a girl who would change his life forever. She was an elite geisha, one of the greatest cultural icons in Japanese society, and his infatuation marked the beginning of a singular journey encompassing forbidden passion, a bold crime, ruinous war, a man’s triumphs and tragedies, and in the end, an enduring love. The Forever Girl is the result of Harold's "consuming desire to preserve his wife's memory by sharing their story of how he literally bought her freedom, and in turn, how her love rescued him."

335 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2017

Reviews

[Adam Schwartz-Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful memoir of Harold Stevens by Dave Pagel. Dave narrates the life of Harold from childhood, through two wars and after, along the way finding the love of his life. It's a gripping read about a man from a generation that had adventures the likes of which most of us will never know, other than reading about them. I highly recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. The author has a beautiful way with words and his subject was quite a character. The book was a gift from my sister who had the opportunity to read the book for her book group and have the author attend! She bought me a signed copy and I was delighted not only by the gift but by how much I enjoyed the book.

[Karen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like another reviewer, a friend is part of the book club that read this book and she brought me a signed copy as well. Mr. Pagel, I hope you see this review, because rarely have I ever enjoyed a book so much that I wanted to say ‘Bravo!’ directly to the author. The story of Chiyoko and Harold is told with such tenderness, one can feel the depth of the love Harold had for his dear wife. You did a magnificent job of fulfilling Harold’s wish to preserve the story of how their love prevailed against impossible odds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am passing it along to friends who I know will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Most Wonderful TRUE story of a loving relationship! Nobody could make up the history Harold and Chiyoko shared! I can't say enough how affected I am by their story!

[Carmen Urquiaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great novel

A life love story of true love. Great narrative about the war with Korea, Bomb at Hiroshima, struggles, navy and army life

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great love story - like the fact that is a true story - the storytelling makes you envision the people so well. Makes you wish you could have sat and talked to Harold about the book and his life.

[Elsie Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story that keeps you reading until the very end. It was written beautifully and is a true love story, with bits of humor, heartbreak and courage all built into it. Highly recommended!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was looking through my books recently, I picked up The Forever Girl and started to reread it. This true story of a love that withstood war, cultural barriers, and long distances is beautiful.

[Geshna Ballgobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir. From a small troublesome boy, Harold grew up to become a fearless soldier during the World War II, posted in East Asia. From the atrocities of the war to the discovery of the new cultures to the heart-warming ever-lasting love between Harold and his lover and friendship, this book has it all. Tears, tears and well, tears... A roller-coaster of emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, anticipation, compassion, pity, and even anger but also, forgiveness. It almost feels like you live Harold's story by his side. The author David Pagel has really done a great job. Great writing. It was heart-breaking to leave the book. This book is not solely a biography of an American soldier, but also the life of a man who has loved dearly, despite the struggles, despite the distance, despite the circumstances, despite everything else. Definitely worth the read!