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Letters Across the Sea
Inspired by a little-known chapter of World War II history, a young Protestant girl and her Jewish neighbour are caught up in the terrible wave of hate sweeping the globe on the eve of war in this powerful love story that’s perfect for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.If you’re reading this letter, that means I’m dead. I had obviously hoped to see you again, to explain in person, but fate had other plans. 1933 At eighteen years old, Molly Ryan dreams of becoming a journalist, but instead she spends her days working any job she can to help her family through the Depression crippling her city. The one bright spot in her life is watching baseball with her best friend, Hannah Dreyfus, and sneaking glances at Hannah’s handsome older brother, Max. But as the summer unfolds, more and more of Hitler’s hateful ideas cross the sea and “Swastika Clubs” and “No Jews Allowed” signs spring up around Toronto, a city already simmering with mass unemployment, protests, and unrest. When tensions between the Irish and Jewish communities erupt in a riot one smouldering day in August, Molly and Max are caught in the middle, with devastating consequences for both their families. 1939 Six years later, the Depression has eased and Molly is a reporter at her local paper. But a new war is on the horizon, putting everyone she cares about most in peril. As letters trickle in from overseas, Molly is forced to confront what happened all those years ago, but is it too late to make things right? From the desperate streets of Toronto to the embattled shores of Hong Kong, Letters Across the Sea is a poignant novel about the enduring power of love to cross dangerous divides even in the darkest of times—from the #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
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10208 people want to read
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May 20, 2021
I don’t get bored with reading so many WWII novels because it seems there’s almost always something to learn, maybe a different point of view or an event I was not aware of. That was certainly the case with this wonderfully told story based on real events in Canada and Hong Kong that Genevieve Graham captures in this novel. The story of the Christie Pits Riot in Toronto in 1933 reflects the antisemitism of the time right after the depression and she focuses on Canadian soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941 who died, those who did not come home in one piece and those who suffered horrific treatment in Japanese POW camps. She depicts the impact on the the families at home waiting for them. These events are brought to life by two families with characters who are connected by friendship and love, and become separated by antisemitism and war.
There are two alternating narrative points of view. Molly Ryan is the daughter of a Protestant Irish family who is affected by these events in tragic ways. Max Dreyfus, the man she has been in love with since they were kids, the son of a Jewish family, who also endures the harsh reality of what war and anti semitism can do. Graham bars no holds in the descriptions of the war scenes and in the depiction of the cruel and inhumane treatment of the pows held by the Japanese who did not participate in the Geneva Convention. It’s an emotional story of bravery, of family, of love, of friendship. The ending was perhaps predictable, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
I very much appreciated the author’s note giving us her inspiration for writing the novel as well as the historic context of these true events. A really good piece of historical fiction with characters to admire and remember.
I received a copy of this book from Simon & Shuster through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
March 6, 2021
Whenever times get tough, the tendency for people to blame someone else for their problems goes way up. What I didn’t know was how much people in Canada (and I’ve learned America) blamed the Jews for the Depression.
Letters Across the Sea starts in 1933 and moves on through WWII. It covers two families in Toronto, an Irish Protestant working class family and a more well off Jewish family. The teenage children are friends. But as time goes by, their paths diverge.
This book fulfills my number one mandate for historical fiction - that I learn something while reading a good story. Not just the pre-war anti-Semitic feelings in Canada, but the battle of Hong Kong and the horror of the Japanese POW camps. And if we thought that biased news was something new, this book puts the lie to that idea.
Graham does a wonderful job of creating characters I really cared about. In fact, this book did an equally good job of engaging me emotionally and intellectually. The chapters alternate between Molly and Max, which worked well to keep the story moving forward.
Make sure to read the Author's Note, as Graham provides a detailed account of the real life episodes that inspired this novel. I haven’t read Graham’s other works, but I will definitely be seeking them out.
My thanks to netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
Whenever times get tough, the tendency for people to blame someone else for their problems goes way up. What I didn’t know was how much people in Canada (and I’ve learned America) blamed the Jews for the Depression.
Letters Across the Sea starts in 1933 and moves on through WWII. It covers two families in Toronto, an Irish Protestant working class family and a more well off Jewish family. The teenage children are friends. But as time goes by, their paths diverge.
This book fulfills my number one mandate for historical fiction - that I learn something while reading a good story. Not just the pre-war anti-Semitic feelings in Canada, but the battle of Hong Kong and the horror of the Japanese POW camps. And if we thought that biased news was something new, this book puts the lie to that idea.
Graham does a wonderful job of creating characters I really cared about. In fact, this book did an equally good job of engaging me emotionally and intellectually. The chapters alternate between Molly and Max, which worked well to keep the story moving forward.
Make sure to read the Author's Note, as Graham provides a detailed account of the real life episodes that inspired this novel. I haven’t read Graham’s other works, but I will definitely be seeking them out.
My thanks to netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
Letters Across the Sea starts in 1933 and moves on through WWII. It covers two families in Toronto, an Irish Protestant working class family and a more well off Jewish family. The teenage children are friends. But as time goes by, their paths diverge.
This book fulfills my number one mandate for historical fiction - that I learn something while reading a good story. Not just the pre-war anti-Semitic feelings in Canada, but the battle of Hong Kong and the horror of the Japanese POW camps. And if we thought that biased news was something new, this book puts the lie to that idea.
Graham does a wonderful job of creating characters I really cared about. In fact, this book did an equally good job of engaging me emotionally and intellectually. The chapters alternate between Molly and Max, which worked well to keep the story moving forward.
Make sure to read the Author's Note, as Graham provides a detailed account of the real life episodes that inspired this novel. I haven’t read Graham’s other works, but I will definitely be seeking them out.
My thanks to netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
Whenever times get tough, the tendency for people to blame someone else for their problems goes way up. What I didn’t know was how much people in Canada (and I’ve learned America) blamed the Jews for the Depression.
Letters Across the Sea starts in 1933 and moves on through WWII. It covers two families in Toronto, an Irish Protestant working class family and a more well off Jewish family. The teenage children are friends. But as time goes by, their paths diverge.
This book fulfills my number one mandate for historical fiction - that I learn something while reading a good story. Not just the pre-war anti-Semitic feelings in Canada, but the battle of Hong Kong and the horror of the Japanese POW camps. And if we thought that biased news was something new, this book puts the lie to that idea.
Graham does a wonderful job of creating characters I really cared about. In fact, this book did an equally good job of engaging me emotionally and intellectually. The chapters alternate between Molly and Max, which worked well to keep the story moving forward.
Make sure to read the Author's Note, as Graham provides a detailed account of the real life episodes that inspired this novel. I haven’t read Graham’s other works, but I will definitely be seeking them out.
My thanks to netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
August 8, 2021
Author of The Forgotten Home Child, Genevieve Graham brings to light another Canadian historical account, this time with specific events during the Great Depression and WWII.
In Graham's "Note to the Reader", she describes how she came to write this novel, researching those nuggets of Canadian history unfamiliar to most people. I never knew that:
1. during the Depression, eastern Canada was a hotbed of Hitler supporters, and that Jews were ostracized quite openly, with signs in shop windows discouraging Jews from shopping there and/or applying for jobs, as well as putting a strict quota on Jewish students attending the University of Toronto;
2. this anti-Semitism led to Nazi supporters instigating the violent Christie Pits Riot in Toronto (one of Canada's first policies prohibiting hate speech was a result of this Riot);
3. the horrendous atrocities Canadians endured during the Battle of Hong Kong, the St. Stephen's College Massacre and as POWs in Japan; and,
4. "Sargeant" Gander, the Newfoundland dog who was a war hero!
Overall, Graham weaves this information (and more) quite well early in the plot as well as when Max and his friends were in Hong Kong and the POW camps - the characters were actively involved in these events; however, a lot of research is told, not shown during the chapters when Molly is a reporter (at times it comes off as sounding like newspaper articles!)
Even though Graham's meticulous research won 4 stars from me, I found the characters to be flat and predictable, and the ending to be a no-brainer.
In Graham's "Note to the Reader", she describes how she came to write this novel, researching those nuggets of Canadian history unfamiliar to most people. I never knew that:
1. during the Depression, eastern Canada was a hotbed of Hitler supporters, and that Jews were ostracized quite openly, with signs in shop windows discouraging Jews from shopping there and/or applying for jobs, as well as putting a strict quota on Jewish students attending the University of Toronto;
2. this anti-Semitism led to Nazi supporters instigating the violent Christie Pits Riot in Toronto (one of Canada's first policies prohibiting hate speech was a result of this Riot);
3. the horrendous atrocities Canadians endured during the Battle of Hong Kong, the St. Stephen's College Massacre and as POWs in Japan; and,
4. "Sargeant" Gander, the Newfoundland dog who was a war hero!
Overall, Graham weaves this information (and more) quite well early in the plot as well as when Max and his friends were in Hong Kong and the POW camps - the characters were actively involved in these events; however, a lot of research is told, not shown during the chapters when Molly is a reporter (at times it comes off as sounding like newspaper articles!)
Even though Graham's meticulous research won 4 stars from me, I found the characters to be flat and predictable, and the ending to be a no-brainer.
August 2, 2022
This is a World War II Historical Fiction that takes place in Canada. I feel in love with Genevieve Graham's writing when I read Forgotten Home Child, so I know I had to pick this book up. This book was slow moving in the beginning of the book, but it picked up pretty quickly. I love the characters in this book, and I really love the storyline in this book. I love how the main characters loved each other no matter how many people told them not to. I also love that this book shows us how Canada was during WII and the Depression. There is many books that takes place in France, England, and some USA, but I have not read many Historical Fiction that takes places in Canada. I love how Graham's book is helping people learn Canadian history. I am from and live in the USA, but I love learning other Countries history as well. I also look more into historical points in Graham's book. This book also hit my heart so hard and I cried so hard during some points of this book. I have to say this book is not for the light hearted readers, and you should look into trigger warnings before putting this book up. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Simon Schuster) or author (Genevieve Graham) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 5, 2021
4.5 stars.
I want to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this interesting and informative ARC in return for an honest review. I was delighted that my request was granted. I can honestly state that I have learned more Canadian history from Genevieve Graham's wonderfully written and impeccably researched historical novels than I ever learned in school. Our own Canadian history was ignored for textbooks favouring Ancient Greek and Roman or British history. I got the idea that the Canadian past was too dull and boring to be included in our curriculum. Genevieve Graham's historical novels have taught me how wrong that impression was.
Her books are my favourite historical novels, usually including well-known facts and fascinating glimpses into our mostly forgotten past. Her stories also include an emotional and romantic element without any graphic sexual content. The author makes her characters very relatable, believable and memorable, and I always find their predicaments most engaging and compelling.
Little known parts of our history include the Christie Pits Riot in Toronto in 1933, noted as the largest ethnic riot in Canadian history is vividly brought to life. Anti-Semitic Nazi sympathizers attacked a crowd who had been watching a ballgame. Molly, a hard-working Protestant who has reluctantly dropped out of school to help support her family during the Depression, becomes friends with Max, a young Jewish man. He is the brother of her best friend, Hannah, and a top athlete on the baseball team. Molly longs for the time she can return to school and become a journalist and write the truth about what is happening in those tumultuous times. Max intends to go to University and become a doctor. During the riots, there are injuries, including Molly's policeman father, who suffers a brain injury when hit on the head by a brick. The blame is placed on Max's father. The two families were opposed to any developing romance between Max and Molly, and now more so than ever.
The time passes, and Max has finished his medical training. He enlists in WW2 as a medic. Molly's four brothers also join the military. The plight of Canadian soldiers sent to defend Hong Kong from the Japanese is a story many are not aware of today. They were sent unprepared and poorly equipped, outnumbered, and fought in a bloody, losing battle. Almost 2,000 soldiers who survived the battle were sent to a brutal Japanese Prison camp where they had to endure appalling conditions, torture, disease, starvation and death at the whim of the sadistic guards. Those who survived suffered lifelong medical and mental conditions. Some who came home had many problems adjusting to civilian life and to their families. PTDS, blindness, and loss of limbs, painful wounds and scars from burns were not uncommon.
Molly is now a promising journalist and engaged to a lovely, kind man at the news office. She has not fully recovered from the heartache caused by not hearing from Max for years and believes him dead, as was one of her brothers' fate. Her other brothers have returned suffering from injuries and trauma in their service on the European and Asian fronts. She has interviewed returning soldiers at the end of the war and has written newsworthy accounts about prison camps and war experiences.
Genevieve Graham presents useful maps, additional facts and statistics from her intensive research. These extra facts helped form this riveting work of historical fiction and should not be missed after the story.
I want to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this interesting and informative ARC in return for an honest review. I was delighted that my request was granted. I can honestly state that I have learned more Canadian history from Genevieve Graham's wonderfully written and impeccably researched historical novels than I ever learned in school. Our own Canadian history was ignored for textbooks favouring Ancient Greek and Roman or British history. I got the idea that the Canadian past was too dull and boring to be included in our curriculum. Genevieve Graham's historical novels have taught me how wrong that impression was.
Her books are my favourite historical novels, usually including well-known facts and fascinating glimpses into our mostly forgotten past. Her stories also include an emotional and romantic element without any graphic sexual content. The author makes her characters very relatable, believable and memorable, and I always find their predicaments most engaging and compelling.
Little known parts of our history include the Christie Pits Riot in Toronto in 1933, noted as the largest ethnic riot in Canadian history is vividly brought to life. Anti-Semitic Nazi sympathizers attacked a crowd who had been watching a ballgame. Molly, a hard-working Protestant who has reluctantly dropped out of school to help support her family during the Depression, becomes friends with Max, a young Jewish man. He is the brother of her best friend, Hannah, and a top athlete on the baseball team. Molly longs for the time she can return to school and become a journalist and write the truth about what is happening in those tumultuous times. Max intends to go to University and become a doctor. During the riots, there are injuries, including Molly's policeman father, who suffers a brain injury when hit on the head by a brick. The blame is placed on Max's father. The two families were opposed to any developing romance between Max and Molly, and now more so than ever.
The time passes, and Max has finished his medical training. He enlists in WW2 as a medic. Molly's four brothers also join the military. The plight of Canadian soldiers sent to defend Hong Kong from the Japanese is a story many are not aware of today. They were sent unprepared and poorly equipped, outnumbered, and fought in a bloody, losing battle. Almost 2,000 soldiers who survived the battle were sent to a brutal Japanese Prison camp where they had to endure appalling conditions, torture, disease, starvation and death at the whim of the sadistic guards. Those who survived suffered lifelong medical and mental conditions. Some who came home had many problems adjusting to civilian life and to their families. PTDS, blindness, and loss of limbs, painful wounds and scars from burns were not uncommon.
Molly is now a promising journalist and engaged to a lovely, kind man at the news office. She has not fully recovered from the heartache caused by not hearing from Max for years and believes him dead, as was one of her brothers' fate. Her other brothers have returned suffering from injuries and trauma in their service on the European and Asian fronts. She has interviewed returning soldiers at the end of the war and has written newsworthy accounts about prison camps and war experiences.
Genevieve Graham presents useful maps, additional facts and statistics from her intensive research. These extra facts helped form this riveting work of historical fiction and should not be missed after the story.
June 24, 2021
Molly Ryan is eighteen in 1933, she left high school early due to the depression in Canada, she works at the local grocery store and her dreams of becoming a journalist have been put on hold. Her best friend Hannah Dreyfus lives across the street, the girls love watching their brothers play baseball and Molly has a crush on her friend’s older brother Max. Summer is almost over, stomachs are empty, and so many people are unemployed and homeless. People are angry, they want someone to blame and Jewish residents are targeted. Signs start appearing in shop windows saying they won’t serve Jewish people and young men join the new Swastika Club. Tension builds between the Irish Protestants and the Jewish communities and on the 16th of August it explodes. Molly and Max are caught up in the violence, Molly’s father is injured and the two families no longer speak.
Molly studied at night school to get her high school diploma and has just started working as a reporter for the local newspaper the Star. On the 10th of September 1939 Prime Minister Mackenzie King announces Canada is at war and by 1941 all four Ryan brothers have enlisted. Molly still lives at home with her mum and dad, her brothers Richie, Jimmy, Mark and Liam are serving in the air force, navy and army.
Two thousand Canadian troops are sent to Hong Kong, Richie is one of them, and they had very little army training. The Japanese forces bomb Pearl Harbor on the 7th of December 1941, quickly they take Malaysia and Hong Kong is next. The Canadian troops didn’t stand a chance against the experienced and combat hardened Japanese soldiers. The first Canadian forces to engage in combat during WW II and they fought bravely despite the terrible odds. The survivors are captured by Japanese, made prisoners of war, kept and treated terribly for over three years.
Molly’s family waits for news about Richie, when it arrives it’s bad and she assumes Max’s fate is the same? Molly is determined to make a difference, she’s sympathetic towards the returned service men, she begins writing about their wartime experiences and shares their stories with the public.
Prior to reading Letters Across the Sea, I had never heard of the anti-Jewish movement in Canada, the Christie Pit Riots or about the Canadian troops fighting the Japanese in Hong Kong during WW II and becoming prisoners of war. Genevieve Graham skillfully includes all of these facts in her book, it’s an absolutely amazing story and one of the best WW II Historical Fiction books I have read.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review and five big stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Molly studied at night school to get her high school diploma and has just started working as a reporter for the local newspaper the Star. On the 10th of September 1939 Prime Minister Mackenzie King announces Canada is at war and by 1941 all four Ryan brothers have enlisted. Molly still lives at home with her mum and dad, her brothers Richie, Jimmy, Mark and Liam are serving in the air force, navy and army.
Two thousand Canadian troops are sent to Hong Kong, Richie is one of them, and they had very little army training. The Japanese forces bomb Pearl Harbor on the 7th of December 1941, quickly they take Malaysia and Hong Kong is next. The Canadian troops didn’t stand a chance against the experienced and combat hardened Japanese soldiers. The first Canadian forces to engage in combat during WW II and they fought bravely despite the terrible odds. The survivors are captured by Japanese, made prisoners of war, kept and treated terribly for over three years.
Molly’s family waits for news about Richie, when it arrives it’s bad and she assumes Max’s fate is the same? Molly is determined to make a difference, she’s sympathetic towards the returned service men, she begins writing about their wartime experiences and shares their stories with the public.
Prior to reading Letters Across the Sea, I had never heard of the anti-Jewish movement in Canada, the Christie Pit Riots or about the Canadian troops fighting the Japanese in Hong Kong during WW II and becoming prisoners of war. Genevieve Graham skillfully includes all of these facts in her book, it’s an absolutely amazing story and one of the best WW II Historical Fiction books I have read.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review and five big stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
May 26, 2021
A wonderful fully absorbing Historical novel -- the type that sweeps you into your arms --
so fully engaging - its exactly where you want to be!!!
I WASN'T going to write a review -- I'm trying to semi-retire -- but I want to share a few things --
(notes for myself to remember)
The 'ebook' and 'Audiobook' are equally as enjoyable --
The Canadian WWII History had me looking up more specific details -- (an ugly anti semitism riot involving a Swastika 'club' (makes me sick), during the depression in a Toronto park in 1933 that tore apart Jewish and Protestant families). The Italian immigrants came to the Jews defense: (I'm constantly moved and inspired by the way Italians were to Jews during WWII)
Then...there was war.... across the seas--
War is War -- (I always say that) --DEVASTATING!!!
At the heart of this story is Max and Molly -- They are wonderful characters to get to know!!!! Our hearts become attached to them both --as we follow them through childhood into adulthood.
Its an old story - of innocent friendship that grows into love --between a Jew and a Non-Jew -- forbidden love -- because their families do all they can do to tear them apart.
There was a moment I wanted to scream foul language: Molly's parents burned a letter that was sent to her from Max. That was just 'one' emotional moment ----
There are more!
Is there any wonder where 'divide' begins? Why we have 'anti' anything? -- prejudice, racism, bigotry, hate crimes, etc.
We don't need to go further than our own homes.
Genevieve Graham did an outstanding job -- she perfectly mixed together history and fiction....manifesting in a very engaging read!
It's meticulously researched and would be an incredible book club pick to discuss.
As for the title -- I would have chosen something else -- I don't think if fully captures the essence of the heart and soul of this 'entire' story.
Still --
an easy 5 stars --
a book to easily recommend reading!
so fully engaging - its exactly where you want to be!!!
I WASN'T going to write a review -- I'm trying to semi-retire -- but I want to share a few things --
(notes for myself to remember)
The 'ebook' and 'Audiobook' are equally as enjoyable --
The Canadian WWII History had me looking up more specific details -- (an ugly anti semitism riot involving a Swastika 'club' (makes me sick), during the depression in a Toronto park in 1933 that tore apart Jewish and Protestant families). The Italian immigrants came to the Jews defense: (I'm constantly moved and inspired by the way Italians were to Jews during WWII)
Then...there was war.... across the seas--
War is War -- (I always say that) --DEVASTATING!!!
At the heart of this story is Max and Molly -- They are wonderful characters to get to know!!!! Our hearts become attached to them both --as we follow them through childhood into adulthood.
Its an old story - of innocent friendship that grows into love --between a Jew and a Non-Jew -- forbidden love -- because their families do all they can do to tear them apart.
There was a moment I wanted to scream foul language: Molly's parents burned a letter that was sent to her from Max. That was just 'one' emotional moment ----
There are more!
Is there any wonder where 'divide' begins? Why we have 'anti' anything? -- prejudice, racism, bigotry, hate crimes, etc.
We don't need to go further than our own homes.
Genevieve Graham did an outstanding job -- she perfectly mixed together history and fiction....manifesting in a very engaging read!
It's meticulously researched and would be an incredible book club pick to discuss.
As for the title -- I would have chosen something else -- I don't think if fully captures the essence of the heart and soul of this 'entire' story.
Still --
an easy 5 stars --
a book to easily recommend reading!
February 8, 2021
This story brings the little-known chapters of Canadian history which happened right after the Great Depression as an effect of it and during WWII.
Toronto, 1933. Molly, at fourteen had to drop out of school and contribute to the pot as their family and as other families have been struggling around the world due to the Crash. The Great Depression has affected everyone including children. Some, including Molly and her best friend Hannah, try to hold on to some normalcy while playing baseball. But anti-Semitism is on the rise. Signs against Jews keep appearing in the store windows. Molly’s brother after weeks of looking for a job suddenly finds one. But as it turns out it is possible because Jews are being fired. There is an emergence of the hateful Swastika Clubs. One night, a baseball game turns into a riot.
The story alternates between Molly and Max, Hannah’s brother. Molly and Max have mutual feelings for each other. Her family is Irish Protestant and his is Jewish. And Molly’s family wants her to distance herself from her best friend and her brother.
1939. Molly works as a journalist. The Riot of 1933 “marked a change for the city. Things were still tumultuous, noisy with continuing protests and prejudice…” Molly reports mostly about the local news, but she craves something more ambitious. As she remembers a morning encounter, an idea materializes. One ambitious report turns into many and uncovering about certain events during the war.
When Max enlisted with the British forces, he expected to be sent to Europe, not to Hong Kong. When Japanese attack Hong Kong, the Canadians are unprepared, lacking in proper training and weapons. They are outnumbered greatly by “Japanese forces with far superior firepower and training.”
This story vividly captures the stolen years during the Great Depression and the stolen lives during the war. It captures Toronto’s simmering with hateful tensions and leading to the Christie Pits Riot, the largest ethnic riot in Canadian history. It captures unprepared men being sent for something they should have not been sent for. It also brings the Japanese inhuman treatment of POW, not respecting the Geneva Convention; and also their attack on hospital leading to St. Stephen’s Massacre.
It’s a poignant story bringing heartache, but also showing us that even during the worst times you can find acts of human kindness. This touchingly woven story with moving characters also shows us the power of love, what it can endure and how far it can go. It’s interestingly written with well-developed characters which expose a reader to the little-known pockets of history.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Toronto, 1933. Molly, at fourteen had to drop out of school and contribute to the pot as their family and as other families have been struggling around the world due to the Crash. The Great Depression has affected everyone including children. Some, including Molly and her best friend Hannah, try to hold on to some normalcy while playing baseball. But anti-Semitism is on the rise. Signs against Jews keep appearing in the store windows. Molly’s brother after weeks of looking for a job suddenly finds one. But as it turns out it is possible because Jews are being fired. There is an emergence of the hateful Swastika Clubs. One night, a baseball game turns into a riot.
The story alternates between Molly and Max, Hannah’s brother. Molly and Max have mutual feelings for each other. Her family is Irish Protestant and his is Jewish. And Molly’s family wants her to distance herself from her best friend and her brother.
1939. Molly works as a journalist. The Riot of 1933 “marked a change for the city. Things were still tumultuous, noisy with continuing protests and prejudice…” Molly reports mostly about the local news, but she craves something more ambitious. As she remembers a morning encounter, an idea materializes. One ambitious report turns into many and uncovering about certain events during the war.
When Max enlisted with the British forces, he expected to be sent to Europe, not to Hong Kong. When Japanese attack Hong Kong, the Canadians are unprepared, lacking in proper training and weapons. They are outnumbered greatly by “Japanese forces with far superior firepower and training.”
This story vividly captures the stolen years during the Great Depression and the stolen lives during the war. It captures Toronto’s simmering with hateful tensions and leading to the Christie Pits Riot, the largest ethnic riot in Canadian history. It captures unprepared men being sent for something they should have not been sent for. It also brings the Japanese inhuman treatment of POW, not respecting the Geneva Convention; and also their attack on hospital leading to St. Stephen’s Massacre.
It’s a poignant story bringing heartache, but also showing us that even during the worst times you can find acts of human kindness. This touchingly woven story with moving characters also shows us the power of love, what it can endure and how far it can go. It’s interestingly written with well-developed characters which expose a reader to the little-known pockets of history.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon&Schuster Canada for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
I try to read and discuss as many Canadian authors as possible in any year, Genevieve Graham is one of my absolute favorites and is definitely in my top 5 must-have on my bookshelf immediately. I recommend her books to everyone.
Letters Across the Sea is the Canadian historical fiction that we all need to read this year. Graham's latest novel begins in the city of Toronto and the Christie Pit riots to WWII and the often forgotten Battle of Hong Kong, POW camps and the men that returned from the wars in Europe and the Pacific. It is also at its heart a love story between Irish Protestant Molly Ryan and her Jewish neighbour Max Dreyfus.
As I stated, this is THE Canadian history we need to read because we certainly didn't learn about it in school. It always amazes me just how much history that GG packs into each novel and makes us feel so present in the setting. A word of caution, you will lose sleep because once you start reading you will fall in love with the characters and travel back in time.
In addition, there's a detailed author's note, maps, reading guide questions and a list of further resources.
Expected publication 27/04/21
Goodreads review published 10/04/21
#netgalley #simonandshuster #canadianliterature #erinrossreads2021 #goodreads #readersofinstagram #teachersandbooks
I try to read and discuss as many Canadian authors as possible in any year, Genevieve Graham is one of my absolute favorites and is definitely in my top 5 must-have on my bookshelf immediately. I recommend her books to everyone.
Letters Across the Sea is the Canadian historical fiction that we all need to read this year. Graham's latest novel begins in the city of Toronto and the Christie Pit riots to WWII and the often forgotten Battle of Hong Kong, POW camps and the men that returned from the wars in Europe and the Pacific. It is also at its heart a love story between Irish Protestant Molly Ryan and her Jewish neighbour Max Dreyfus.
As I stated, this is THE Canadian history we need to read because we certainly didn't learn about it in school. It always amazes me just how much history that GG packs into each novel and makes us feel so present in the setting. A word of caution, you will lose sleep because once you start reading you will fall in love with the characters and travel back in time.
In addition, there's a detailed author's note, maps, reading guide questions and a list of further resources.
Expected publication 27/04/21
Goodreads review published 10/04/21
#netgalley #simonandshuster #canadianliterature #erinrossreads2021 #goodreads #readersofinstagram #teachersandbooks
May 25, 2021
A beautiful story with lots of information on Toronto in 1933 and the Canadians in Hong Kong during WWII. I read a lot of WWII fact and fiction and the latter often disappoints, because writers pretend to know, but obviously don't. GG really brings across the incredible suffering, to me she really stands out. Now I know that not only the Dutch suffered at the hands of the Japanese in the Dutch Indies. I learned a lot from this book and I won't forget.
March 22, 2021
This is an historical fiction page-turner, spanning twelve years between 1933-1945, the Great Depression, Recession, and WWII. The story takes place primarily in Toronto and Hong Kong, with descriptions of World War II battles, prisoner of war camps in Germany, Japan, and Ontario.
The beginning of the book feels a little like Romeo and Juliet. Two families, Ryan (Irish Protestant) and Dreyfus (Jewish), live across the street from each other in Toronto, at a time when antisemitism and pro-Nazi sentiment was high. The Dreyfus family owns a clothing factory and although the factory is still operating and providing work in the community, many stores are no longer buying from Jews (nor hiring, nor serving). Signs in shop windows state no [dogs or] Jews allowed, and there is a local chapter of aspiring Hitler Youth who bully and beat Jews. Molly Ryan and Hannah Dreyfus are best friends, Molly’s brothers are close friends and baseball buddies of Hanna’s older brother Max. Molly and Max are the star-crossed lovers. Although the parents are “friendly” a romantic relationship between Max and Molly is out of the question. Never-the-less, the young couple are drawn together like magnets, and their budding relationship leads to tragic consequences, and forced separation after the violent events of the Christie Pits Riot.
The book weaves several dramatic historical events, in particular the Christie Pits Riot and the Battle of Hong Kong, into an interesting novel of the period. The reenactment of the anti-semitic Christie Pits Riot in Toronto, following a less than sportsmanship-like baseball game, was frightening, but, the reenactment of the Battle of Hong Kong, the descriptions of the Japanese POW camps, and the Japanese massacre, murder, and rape at the St. Stephen’s hospital, was gruesome and horrifying.
Despite the title, this book is not epistolary, there are a few letters and the fact of those letters (and only much later, the content) partially drive the novel. After I got over the initial disappointment (epistolary is one of my favorite genres), I settled down to a really good read. Molly grew into a talented and principled newspaper reporter, who never completely got over her true love for Max. Max finished medical school, enlisted, and was deployed in Hong Kong where he performed valiantly under fire in the Battle of Hong Kong, after which he was captured and interned in a Japanese POW camp.
Both the Dreyfus and the Ryan family suffer great loss and redemption over the years until the end of the war. I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance fiction. This is not really my favorite genre, never-the-less I found this book to be a winner and I very much enjoyed the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada/Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!
The beginning of the book feels a little like Romeo and Juliet. Two families, Ryan (Irish Protestant) and Dreyfus (Jewish), live across the street from each other in Toronto, at a time when antisemitism and pro-Nazi sentiment was high. The Dreyfus family owns a clothing factory and although the factory is still operating and providing work in the community, many stores are no longer buying from Jews (nor hiring, nor serving). Signs in shop windows state no [dogs or] Jews allowed, and there is a local chapter of aspiring Hitler Youth who bully and beat Jews. Molly Ryan and Hannah Dreyfus are best friends, Molly’s brothers are close friends and baseball buddies of Hanna’s older brother Max. Molly and Max are the star-crossed lovers. Although the parents are “friendly” a romantic relationship between Max and Molly is out of the question. Never-the-less, the young couple are drawn together like magnets, and their budding relationship leads to tragic consequences, and forced separation after the violent events of the Christie Pits Riot.
The book weaves several dramatic historical events, in particular the Christie Pits Riot and the Battle of Hong Kong, into an interesting novel of the period. The reenactment of the anti-semitic Christie Pits Riot in Toronto, following a less than sportsmanship-like baseball game, was frightening, but, the reenactment of the Battle of Hong Kong, the descriptions of the Japanese POW camps, and the Japanese massacre, murder, and rape at the St. Stephen’s hospital, was gruesome and horrifying.
Despite the title, this book is not epistolary, there are a few letters and the fact of those letters (and only much later, the content) partially drive the novel. After I got over the initial disappointment (epistolary is one of my favorite genres), I settled down to a really good read. Molly grew into a talented and principled newspaper reporter, who never completely got over her true love for Max. Max finished medical school, enlisted, and was deployed in Hong Kong where he performed valiantly under fire in the Battle of Hong Kong, after which he was captured and interned in a Japanese POW camp.
Both the Dreyfus and the Ryan family suffer great loss and redemption over the years until the end of the war. I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance fiction. This is not really my favorite genre, never-the-less I found this book to be a winner and I very much enjoyed the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada/Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!
May 3, 2021
Another wonderful historical fiction novel, based on Canadian history, by Genevieve Graham.
The author weaves fact and fiction into this captivating story which focuses on anti-semitism in Toronto and Canada's role in the Battle of Hong Kong during WWII.
The story follows Molly and Max, two young adults who have been neighbours for many years in Toronto during the Great Depression. Over the years their bond of friendship turned to love. Molly is a Protestant journalist and Max is a Jewish doctor in training when he enlists and goes to war with Molly's brothers.
The author's research into what the soldiers endured, as well as the their families at home, was exceptional and is finally told.
This is a story of love, loss, hate, tolerance, bravery, courage, hope and humanity.
Author Genevieve Graham has stated "My goal, my passion, is to breathe life back into Canadian history!" With Letters Across The Sea she did just that!
A Must Read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The author weaves fact and fiction into this captivating story which focuses on anti-semitism in Toronto and Canada's role in the Battle of Hong Kong during WWII.
The story follows Molly and Max, two young adults who have been neighbours for many years in Toronto during the Great Depression. Over the years their bond of friendship turned to love. Molly is a Protestant journalist and Max is a Jewish doctor in training when he enlists and goes to war with Molly's brothers.
The author's research into what the soldiers endured, as well as the their families at home, was exceptional and is finally told.
This is a story of love, loss, hate, tolerance, bravery, courage, hope and humanity.
Author Genevieve Graham has stated "My goal, my passion, is to breathe life back into Canadian history!" With Letters Across The Sea she did just that!
A Must Read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2021
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
— Helen Keller
LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA is a heartbreaking account of anti-semitism in Canada during the Great Depression and heroism by Canadian soldiers in Hong Kong during WWII. I know little of that history, and found myself fully engaged by the historical details and the romance of Molly Ryan and Max Dreyfus set against the chilling backdrop.
Molly is Irish-blooded, Max is a Jew — friends from childhood while anti-Semitism takes root in Toronto. It erupts into a bloody riot in August 1933, spreading across the city, injuring many and dividing families, friends and neighbors. The author captures the chaos with such fervor that I felt I was there, ducking fists, bricks and body blows amid flying swastika flags.
The fall-out is ugly, and it takes the outbreak of WWII to refocus the country. Max is sent to the Pacific, part of the harrowing last stand of Canadian soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong in late 1941. A lethal event, followed by incarceration of many in horrific Japanese death camps.
What made my heart sing was the hope the author weaves through this dark tale, embodied by the tender relationship between Molly and Max. Genevieve Graham is new to me but wildly popular in Canada and I can see why. Her writing is lush, her narrative enticing, and her characters fully fleshed, causing me to care deeply about the couple from the start. Magnificent historical fiction brightened by thrilling romance!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 27 Apr 2021
#LettersAcrossTheSea
Thanks to the author, Simon & Schuster Canada, and NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Was this review helpful?
— Helen Keller
LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA is a heartbreaking account of anti-semitism in Canada during the Great Depression and heroism by Canadian soldiers in Hong Kong during WWII. I know little of that history, and found myself fully engaged by the historical details and the romance of Molly Ryan and Max Dreyfus set against the chilling backdrop.
Molly is Irish-blooded, Max is a Jew — friends from childhood while anti-Semitism takes root in Toronto. It erupts into a bloody riot in August 1933, spreading across the city, injuring many and dividing families, friends and neighbors. The author captures the chaos with such fervor that I felt I was there, ducking fists, bricks and body blows amid flying swastika flags.
The fall-out is ugly, and it takes the outbreak of WWII to refocus the country. Max is sent to the Pacific, part of the harrowing last stand of Canadian soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong in late 1941. A lethal event, followed by incarceration of many in horrific Japanese death camps.
What made my heart sing was the hope the author weaves through this dark tale, embodied by the tender relationship between Molly and Max. Genevieve Graham is new to me but wildly popular in Canada and I can see why. Her writing is lush, her narrative enticing, and her characters fully fleshed, causing me to care deeply about the couple from the start. Magnificent historical fiction brightened by thrilling romance!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 27 Apr 2021
#LettersAcrossTheSea
Thanks to the author, Simon & Schuster Canada, and NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Was this review helpful?
February 7, 2021
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I absolutely would!!
My father passed just over a month ago. Needless to say, it’s been a difficult time and my ability to focus has been terrible. Then I was approved by NetGalley for this novel and suddenly, I was whisked away to a time and place that called to me in so many ways!
The Ryans and The Dreyfuses were two families who made their home in Toronto, Ontario Canada in the 1930’s. This was a turbulent time in history when the Jewish community was being targeted due to their beliefs. Tensions escalated for years leading up to WWII and many friends became enemies for no other reason other than their religion. This was the case between these two families.
Molly Ryan lived with her parents and four brothers, Ritchie, Jimmy, Mark, and Liam. Across the road, Molly’s best friend Hannah Dreyfus lived with her parents and brother Max. They were the best of friends and as they grew older, Molly and Max developed feelings for one another that were against what society deemed acceptable.
Sadly, like so many others, the sons of these families, along with their friends, were sent overseas to fight. Some were killed in action, some were held as POW’s and some were listed as missing. Molly searched daily for information but could never find any information about what happened to Max. After a significant amount of time had passed, at Hannah’s insistence, Molly tried to move on with her life. She focussed on her writing career at The Star and began dating a co-worker who she eventually became engaged to. Everything appeared to be falling into place, until the end of the war finally came. Molly was forced to re-evaluate her decisions and where she saw herself in the future.
My grandparents lived in Toronto during the time frame of this novel. I would read passages of Letters Across the Sea and then compare them to old photos I was currently sorting at my parents’ house. I was able to get a feel for what they would have been wearing and what the city actually looked like at that time. I felt connected to the characters in a way I’ve never felt before.
Imagine my surprise when Ian and Molly even travelled to Bowmanville to cover the Battle of Bowmanville story! I live 5 MINUTES from Camp 30! Another scene I was able to visualize so easily as we have visited this site more times than I can count.
All of this just intensified my love for this story! Genevieve Graham is hands-down my favorite author of Canadian historical fiction. Letters Across the Sea was well-researched and rich in detail. I was able to escape my life for a time and be reminded that life does indeed go on. Thank you, Ms. Graham.
“𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.” - 𝑀𝑎𝑥, 𝐿𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐴𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑎
***Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read and review this ARC***
My father passed just over a month ago. Needless to say, it’s been a difficult time and my ability to focus has been terrible. Then I was approved by NetGalley for this novel and suddenly, I was whisked away to a time and place that called to me in so many ways!
The Ryans and The Dreyfuses were two families who made their home in Toronto, Ontario Canada in the 1930’s. This was a turbulent time in history when the Jewish community was being targeted due to their beliefs. Tensions escalated for years leading up to WWII and many friends became enemies for no other reason other than their religion. This was the case between these two families.
Molly Ryan lived with her parents and four brothers, Ritchie, Jimmy, Mark, and Liam. Across the road, Molly’s best friend Hannah Dreyfus lived with her parents and brother Max. They were the best of friends and as they grew older, Molly and Max developed feelings for one another that were against what society deemed acceptable.
Sadly, like so many others, the sons of these families, along with their friends, were sent overseas to fight. Some were killed in action, some were held as POW’s and some were listed as missing. Molly searched daily for information but could never find any information about what happened to Max. After a significant amount of time had passed, at Hannah’s insistence, Molly tried to move on with her life. She focussed on her writing career at The Star and began dating a co-worker who she eventually became engaged to. Everything appeared to be falling into place, until the end of the war finally came. Molly was forced to re-evaluate her decisions and where she saw herself in the future.
My grandparents lived in Toronto during the time frame of this novel. I would read passages of Letters Across the Sea and then compare them to old photos I was currently sorting at my parents’ house. I was able to get a feel for what they would have been wearing and what the city actually looked like at that time. I felt connected to the characters in a way I’ve never felt before.
Imagine my surprise when Ian and Molly even travelled to Bowmanville to cover the Battle of Bowmanville story! I live 5 MINUTES from Camp 30! Another scene I was able to visualize so easily as we have visited this site more times than I can count.
All of this just intensified my love for this story! Genevieve Graham is hands-down my favorite author of Canadian historical fiction. Letters Across the Sea was well-researched and rich in detail. I was able to escape my life for a time and be reminded that life does indeed go on. Thank you, Ms. Graham.
“𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.” - 𝑀𝑎𝑥, 𝐿𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐴𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑎
***Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read and review this ARC***
March 14, 2022
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book from start to finish. It was not “simple” writing by any means, but I found it easier to digest compared to some other historical fiction novels I have read.
I truly learned something new (I truly don’t ever recall learning that Canadian soldiers went over to Hong Kong to fight the Japanese on behalf of the British), and I cared for each character and the trajectories their lives took.
I can’t believe I almost passed this book up because I didn’t overly love the cover (I have always been 100% guilty of judging a book by its cover).
I am so thankful to my fellow Bookstagram friends that encouraged me to read it! Reading this book has also pushed me to research and learn more about this part of our Canadian past.
I truly learned something new (I truly don’t ever recall learning that Canadian soldiers went over to Hong Kong to fight the Japanese on behalf of the British), and I cared for each character and the trajectories their lives took.
I can’t believe I almost passed this book up because I didn’t overly love the cover (I have always been 100% guilty of judging a book by its cover).
I am so thankful to my fellow Bookstagram friends that encouraged me to read it! Reading this book has also pushed me to research and learn more about this part of our Canadian past.
February 22, 2021
4.5 STARS - Genevieve Graham's previous book, The Forgotten Home Child, blew me away with its story that wove lesser-known parts of Canadian history with sympathetic characters I couldn't help but root for. It was my favourite book of Graham's -- until now.
I was immediately intrigued by Graham's upcoming book, Letters Across the Sea because part of it is set in a Toronto neighbourhood close to where my mom grew up. Along with a few Ontario locations many readers will recognize, Graham has written a story that spans the effects of the Great Depression, the simmering and often blatant anti-Semitism in 1930's Toronto and a look at a group of Canadian soldiers who were sent into WWII not properly trained and vastly outnumbered by their ruthless counterparts.
Through the POVs of Molly - an Irish Protestant teen and Max, her Jewish neighbour, Graham puts a face to the growing racial tensions that were rife in Toronto in the 1930's, leading to Canada's largest ethnic-based violent event in Canadian history - the Christie Pits Riot.
With her detailed research, Graham also unearths a part of Canadian history that I knew nothing about - the Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong. With building tension and an unflinching look at barbaric the realities of war, Graham gives readers a sobering look at this group of Canadian soldiers. Some of these soldiers gave their lives in combat, others endured years of horrific treatment in Japanese POW camps and the remaining returned home only to learn that all their sacrifices would be ignored by their government and fellow Canadians.
Letters Across the Sea is a sobering blend of history, humanity, courage, and hope. By weaving poignant story lines with historical facts, Graham educates her readers about lesser-known parts of Canadian history while bringing a human perspective to those darker times that we should never again forget. As the proud granddaughter of an Orangeman who was a soldier in the Irish Regiment of Toronto, I want to thank the author for highlighting the heroism of a group of Canadian soldiers that the textbooks, the Canadian government, and the Canadian people sadly and shamefully forgot. Genevieve, thank you for giving them a voice.
Note: Once you have read this book, please do not forget to read the author's note at the end.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2021
It is 1933. The Ryan and Dreyfus and Ryan families live in the same Toronto neighborhood. Molly Ryan dreams of being a writer. Her best friend Hannah Dreyfus hopes to get married and have a family. Their brothers Richie and Max were close friends before Max Dreyfus left for college. In the depths of the Depression, anti-Semitism is growing, further incited by the local newspaper. Friendships are challenged between these Irish Protestant and Jewish families and change forever during the Christie Pits Riot which was incited by the local Swastika Club. Once Canada enters World War II, Richie and Max find themselves together again in Hong Kong.
As in her last book The Forgotten Home Child, author Genevieve Graham does an excellent job not only providing an emotion-stirring story, but enlightens readers on portions of history that may be unknown. The level of anti-Semitism that took place in Toronto was heartbreaking as was the story of the Battle of Hong Kong, the only battle during the war that was deemed a 100% failure by the Allies.
The author doesn’t hold back on the realities of war – the losses and post-war trauma. Each of the characters are well formed and their struggles provide a sense of what it was like to live during such a horrible time. The strength of friendship, family, love and hope make Letters Across the Sea a very memorable book.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
As in her last book The Forgotten Home Child, author Genevieve Graham does an excellent job not only providing an emotion-stirring story, but enlightens readers on portions of history that may be unknown. The level of anti-Semitism that took place in Toronto was heartbreaking as was the story of the Battle of Hong Kong, the only battle during the war that was deemed a 100% failure by the Allies.
The author doesn’t hold back on the realities of war – the losses and post-war trauma. Each of the characters are well formed and their struggles provide a sense of what it was like to live during such a horrible time. The strength of friendship, family, love and hope make Letters Across the Sea a very memorable book.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
February 17, 2021
Letters from Across the Sea is a beautiful book that tells a little-known chapter of history with incredible humanity. From the neighborhoods of Toronto to the battlefields of Hong Kong, Genevieve Graham weaves exquisite research, nail-biting tension, and rich characters into a sweeping novel of courage, betrayal, and reconciliation. I loved it!
April 26, 2021
Genevieve Graham has done it again. Letters Across the Sea is superb Canadian historical fiction. I cannot say enough good things about this must read novel!
It is interesting, focussing on two little known periods in Canadian history (Christie Pit Riots and anti-semitism in Toronto during the Great Depression and the Canadian troops role in the Battle of Hong Kong during WWII). It is well-written and engaging and pulls you into the story so effectively that I felt that I was living events along with the wonderfully depicted characters. I could not put the book down and read it in one day. Novels like this are why I love to read.
You can always count on a Genevieve Graham novel and this one is no exception. This novel, for me, has set the bar for historical fiction for this year. It is simply fantastic. This is one you have to read! Letters Across the Sea is out on April 27.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is interesting, focussing on two little known periods in Canadian history (Christie Pit Riots and anti-semitism in Toronto during the Great Depression and the Canadian troops role in the Battle of Hong Kong during WWII). It is well-written and engaging and pulls you into the story so effectively that I felt that I was living events along with the wonderfully depicted characters. I could not put the book down and read it in one day. Novels like this are why I love to read.
You can always count on a Genevieve Graham novel and this one is no exception. This novel, for me, has set the bar for historical fiction for this year. It is simply fantastic. This is one you have to read! Letters Across the Sea is out on April 27.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2024
With meticulous historical detail and exquisite writing, author Genevieve Graham has brought forth an epic saga of steadfast love, compassion, endurance and heroism. From the anti-Semitic Christie Pits riot of 1933 to the Christmas Battle of Hong Kong of 1941 and VJ Day of 1945, Ms. Graham evokes richly detailed events of Canadian history and has rescued them from obscurity. The story is on the one hand a tale of horrific events, yet also one of tender caring and tremendous loyalty. Her characters are well developed, thought provoking and highly relatable.
This was my first foray into the writing of Genevieve Graham and I assure you that it won't be my last. I learned a bit more history of our nice neighbors to the north in Toronto and their engagement at the little-known Battle of Hong Kong during WWII, gaining a whole new respect for them. This was a beautiful and at times heart-wrenching tale which was highly satisfying when all was said and done. Can't wait to read more by this gifted author and storyteller.
Publication Date: April 27, 2021
Pages: 384
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781982156640
I am grateful to author Genevieve Graham and her publisher, Simon and Schuster, for having provided a complimentary advance uncorrected reader's proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
This was my first foray into the writing of Genevieve Graham and I assure you that it won't be my last. I learned a bit more history of our nice neighbors to the north in Toronto and their engagement at the little-known Battle of Hong Kong during WWII, gaining a whole new respect for them. This was a beautiful and at times heart-wrenching tale which was highly satisfying when all was said and done. Can't wait to read more by this gifted author and storyteller.
Publication Date: April 27, 2021
Pages: 384
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781982156640
I am grateful to author Genevieve Graham and her publisher, Simon and Schuster, for having provided a complimentary advance uncorrected reader's proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
January 9, 2025
Having read an inordinate amount of WWII literature, I can say that this one was fine, but not outstanding. A standard three rating. There were a few interesting and compelling things about it. For one, its set in Toronto, Canada, and I have never seen the WWII angle from there. The other, is that the protagonist is not Jewish, and has to wrestle with her conscience as the events are unfolding around her. I really appreciated that lens as a different than usual take. Our heroine has both a best friend and her older brother, who becomes her main love interest. The book is narrated from both of them - Molly and Max.
One thing that didn't make sense about the book, is the title. I expected there to be a lot more letters and letter writing, but there was nearly none. I mean one set in each direction, but the story never took place through letters. That did not make sense.
But, another thing to love about the story, is a much late introduced character Ian. I barely paid attention to him, he did not capture my interest, and then BAM! Quietly, he became the most amazing man. Made me think of the integrity and heroism from people who might not be immediately noticeable or remarkable. And yet are the best of us somehow. I thought his quiet integrity was remarkable for the times and for any time. That stayed with me.
One thing that didn't make sense about the book, is the title. I expected there to be a lot more letters and letter writing, but there was nearly none. I mean one set in each direction, but the story never took place through letters. That did not make sense.
But, another thing to love about the story, is a much late introduced character Ian. I barely paid attention to him, he did not capture my interest, and then BAM! Quietly, he became the most amazing man. Made me think of the integrity and heroism from people who might not be immediately noticeable or remarkable. And yet are the best of us somehow. I thought his quiet integrity was remarkable for the times and for any time. That stayed with me.
April 22, 2024
I recently flew through Letters Across the Sea with one of my wonderful reading friends, Erin, and we both could not get over the depth, research, and heart put into this story. Genevieve Graham vividly brings the little-known chapters of Canadian history showcasing the effects of the Great Depression and WWII.
✨Is this just another “WWII historical fiction” novel?
Oh my goodness no! Graham has written the most unique angle for a WWII book, and it captured my interest from the first chapter. The majority of the story takes place in Canada in the leadup, during, and after the war; while a shorter part takes place in Hong Kong. I felt that I had been transported to a whole new level of historical fiction, and that an all new bar had been set for future historical fiction reads.
✨How was the research?
Hands down amazing! I’m completely speechless and humbled by all the research and heart Graham put into her writing. Meticulous does not even begin to cover it. I was so enthralled with the action packed moments and new settings. I even found myself on Google several times just wanting to learn more. To say that Graham captured my interests with her spot on details and atmospheric writing is an understatement, and the author’s notes at the end brought the story to life even more. There were even pictures and maps to go along with the reading!
✨What appealed to you in this book the most?
Getting to read about anti-Semitism in Canada, and how Nazi propaganda found a way to further fuel hate all the way overseas was just so unbelievable. The story really captures how Toronto was simmering with hateful tensions that lead to the Christie Pits Riot, the largest ethnic riot in Canadian history. I’m so glad this book took on the divide that was also going on in North America, and still exists to this day.
I also loved Molly’s strong character. She was raised in a strict Protestant household and was forced to leave school early to help support her family. This did not hold her back or stifle her individuality or compassion for the world around her.
I’m also thankful that Graham did not shy away from the tougher topic of PTSD in the aftermath of the war.
✨How was the pacing?
Fast and engaging - a book I did not want to put down.
✨Do you recommend this book?
Yes!! I will forever remember and recommend this immersive read to everyone. This is a touchingly woven story with moving characters that also shows us the power of love, what it can endure, and how far it can go. Get this book now!
✨Is this just another “WWII historical fiction” novel?
Oh my goodness no! Graham has written the most unique angle for a WWII book, and it captured my interest from the first chapter. The majority of the story takes place in Canada in the leadup, during, and after the war; while a shorter part takes place in Hong Kong. I felt that I had been transported to a whole new level of historical fiction, and that an all new bar had been set for future historical fiction reads.
✨How was the research?
Hands down amazing! I’m completely speechless and humbled by all the research and heart Graham put into her writing. Meticulous does not even begin to cover it. I was so enthralled with the action packed moments and new settings. I even found myself on Google several times just wanting to learn more. To say that Graham captured my interests with her spot on details and atmospheric writing is an understatement, and the author’s notes at the end brought the story to life even more. There were even pictures and maps to go along with the reading!
✨What appealed to you in this book the most?
Getting to read about anti-Semitism in Canada, and how Nazi propaganda found a way to further fuel hate all the way overseas was just so unbelievable. The story really captures how Toronto was simmering with hateful tensions that lead to the Christie Pits Riot, the largest ethnic riot in Canadian history. I’m so glad this book took on the divide that was also going on in North America, and still exists to this day.
I also loved Molly’s strong character. She was raised in a strict Protestant household and was forced to leave school early to help support her family. This did not hold her back or stifle her individuality or compassion for the world around her.
I’m also thankful that Graham did not shy away from the tougher topic of PTSD in the aftermath of the war.
✨How was the pacing?
Fast and engaging - a book I did not want to put down.
✨Do you recommend this book?
Yes!! I will forever remember and recommend this immersive read to everyone. This is a touchingly woven story with moving characters that also shows us the power of love, what it can endure, and how far it can go. Get this book now!
December 24, 2021
I loved this. I love reading a historical novel where I care about the characters but also learn something new. Molly is Irish Potestant growing up in Toronto pre WWII. Her best friend Hannah and her brother Max are Jewish. Molly and Max fall for each other which would not be accepted by either family or society. I had no idea that Toronto was so anti-semtic at the time. There were even swastika society!
The backdrop to this story was WWII focusing on our Canadian troops being sent to Hong Kong. I had no idea how this should never have happened. These boys were not trained and not equipped. So many died and others were sent to Japanese POW camps that were beyond brutal. When you compare the treatment in the Japanese camps to the treatment in Candian POW camps it was ridiculously unfair.
The backdrop to this story was WWII focusing on our Canadian troops being sent to Hong Kong. I had no idea how this should never have happened. These boys were not trained and not equipped. So many died and others were sent to Japanese POW camps that were beyond brutal. When you compare the treatment in the Japanese camps to the treatment in Candian POW camps it was ridiculously unfair.
April 15, 2021
First of all I want to thank Genevieve Graham for writing this book. Not only is this an outstanding book, it is a historical lesson about events that transpired about a time and place I knew nothing about. This poignant book begins in a Toronto in 1933, a time of fierce division and ugliness, brought on by the Depression, propaganda, and a press that was hiding the truth. It is the story of Molly, an Irish Protestant, and her friendship with Hannah and her brother Max, who are Jewish. Things come to a head one evening, changing the trajectory of all their lives. Molly is an extraordinary character, bright and ambitious, and torn between her family and the family of her friends. When WWII breaks out, Max, along with Molly’s brothers, are sent to overseas, and to the brutality of war. Letters Across the sea is a moving account of those years, as seen through the eyes of Molly and Max. It is a story of the worst of humanity, as well as the best of humanity; a story of resilience, pain, suffering, healing, and forgiveness.
April 10, 2021
Wow. GG did it again. Every time she writes Historical Fiction she reveals Canada’s hidden truths or stories long forgotten.
Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for my review copy.
Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for my review copy.
May 15, 2021
The story begins in 1933 with the Jewish family Dreyfus and the Irish Protestant family Ryan as neighbours in the Kensington area of downtown Toronto. The Depression is in full swing with mass unemployment and heated unrest.
Molly Ryan and Hannah Dreyfus are best friends. Molly’s brothers and Hanna’s brother Max are also friends. They all play baseball with other neighbourhood boys at Christie Pitts baseball diamond – both Jewish and Gentile.
Max and Molly are especially close even though both families know that there can never be a match between a Jew and a Protestant.
In 1939 Max, Molly’s four brothers and other young men from the neighbourhood are off to war.
I was made aware for the first time how severe anti-Semitism was Toronto in 1933.
I was made aware for the first time of the 1933 Christie Pitts Riot.
I was made aware for the first time of the Canadians in the Battle of Hong Kong - 1941.
I asked my grandson if he had been taught any of this is school. He had not.
While this is ‘historical fiction’ there is enough factual history for it to be of interest to any history buff.
It’s sometimes raw and gut-wrenching interspersed with a love story between a Jewish boy and a Gentile girl, but the love story does in no way overpower the plot.
The back of the book has a map of Toronto at the time and a map of Hong Kong 1941 where the reader can trace the movements of the characters.
This is a compelling beautifully written story about family, war, courage, betrayal, forgiveness and love.
Molly Ryan and Hannah Dreyfus are best friends. Molly’s brothers and Hanna’s brother Max are also friends. They all play baseball with other neighbourhood boys at Christie Pitts baseball diamond – both Jewish and Gentile.
Max and Molly are especially close even though both families know that there can never be a match between a Jew and a Protestant.
In 1939 Max, Molly’s four brothers and other young men from the neighbourhood are off to war.
I was made aware for the first time how severe anti-Semitism was Toronto in 1933.
I was made aware for the first time of the 1933 Christie Pitts Riot.
I was made aware for the first time of the Canadians in the Battle of Hong Kong - 1941.
I asked my grandson if he had been taught any of this is school. He had not.
While this is ‘historical fiction’ there is enough factual history for it to be of interest to any history buff.
It’s sometimes raw and gut-wrenching interspersed with a love story between a Jewish boy and a Gentile girl, but the love story does in no way overpower the plot.
The back of the book has a map of Toronto at the time and a map of Hong Kong 1941 where the reader can trace the movements of the characters.
This is a compelling beautifully written story about family, war, courage, betrayal, forgiveness and love.
July 7, 2021
Letters Across the Sea is a historical fiction romance written by Genevieve Graham. It is a pensive, enlightening tale of Toronto during the 1930s and into the lives of the Irish Ryan family and the Jewish Dreyfus family as they navigate relationships strained by the Great Depression, religious differences, hatred, loss, misunderstandings, forbidden love, tragedy, and the sacrifices and inherent consequences of war.
It is the story of Molly Ryan, a Protestant girl and Max Dreyfus, her Jewish neighbor who are growing up in Toronto, against the backdrop of the Depression, and then the rise of Adolf Hitler, the Nazis, and a wave of hate that would ignite the Second World War.
Molly and Hannah are best friends and do everything together. Molly has a crush on Hannah's older brother Max, but Jews and Protestants aren’t permitted to marry. Times are hard for Molly's family. Her Dad is a local police officer but she and her siblings have dropped out of school to work. When Hannah loses her job at the local grocery store, she quickly sees how harsh the anti-semitism has become. Still, she and her friends are unaffected until a riot erupts at a baseball game and splits the families apart.
When Canada goes to war, Toronto focuses on their boys and the headlines. Holly misses Max as he goes to war, but it looks like the events at the baseball park forever changed things, but for now she focuses on her family and writing career – as they forbiddingly long for each other over. The narrative explores Toronto in the thirties with Molly and the Second World War through the eyes of Max.
Letters Across the Sea is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but it comes rather close. Graham’s narrative is evocative and rich with genuine characters kindhearted and courageous. The plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine seamlessly into an alluring tale of life, loss, love, family, devastation, hardship, hope, friendship, self-discovery, and ultimately survival. Graham takes little known or forgotten historical facts, infuses them with humanity, and then edges them all with a love story that is hard to put down. It's beautifully written, exceptionally memorable, and in parts devastatingly heart-wrenching.
All in all, Letters Across the Sea is a poignant novel about the enduring power of love to cross dangerous divides even in the darkest of times.
It is the story of Molly Ryan, a Protestant girl and Max Dreyfus, her Jewish neighbor who are growing up in Toronto, against the backdrop of the Depression, and then the rise of Adolf Hitler, the Nazis, and a wave of hate that would ignite the Second World War.
Molly and Hannah are best friends and do everything together. Molly has a crush on Hannah's older brother Max, but Jews and Protestants aren’t permitted to marry. Times are hard for Molly's family. Her Dad is a local police officer but she and her siblings have dropped out of school to work. When Hannah loses her job at the local grocery store, she quickly sees how harsh the anti-semitism has become. Still, she and her friends are unaffected until a riot erupts at a baseball game and splits the families apart.
When Canada goes to war, Toronto focuses on their boys and the headlines. Holly misses Max as he goes to war, but it looks like the events at the baseball park forever changed things, but for now she focuses on her family and writing career – as they forbiddingly long for each other over. The narrative explores Toronto in the thirties with Molly and the Second World War through the eyes of Max.
Letters Across the Sea is written extremely well – it is far from perfect, but it comes rather close. Graham’s narrative is evocative and rich with genuine characters kindhearted and courageous. The plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine seamlessly into an alluring tale of life, loss, love, family, devastation, hardship, hope, friendship, self-discovery, and ultimately survival. Graham takes little known or forgotten historical facts, infuses them with humanity, and then edges them all with a love story that is hard to put down. It's beautifully written, exceptionally memorable, and in parts devastatingly heart-wrenching.
All in all, Letters Across the Sea is a poignant novel about the enduring power of love to cross dangerous divides even in the darkest of times.
March 8, 2021
I loved this title. What a fantastic WWII story.
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Thank you for my review copy. The opinions are solely mine.
I'm a huge fan of Historical Fiction. WWII can become somewhat repetitive, if I am being honest. For me, this was a fantastic perspective. First, this is a dual point of view of a female Canadian and a male Canadian. I loved both perspectives so very much.
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I was not as familiar with the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941. It was very interesting and I am so glad I was able to study this battle via this story.
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There are a lot of other positive writing within this novel. The women's rights. The depression. The internal conflict with Jewish and Protestants. Loved it all.
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You were given a bit of a love story and in my opinion it was the perfect amount. It was very predictable....but very enjoyable.
I will highly recommend this title. Much needed distraction and a great learning experience.
.
Thank you for my review copy. The opinions are solely mine.
I'm a huge fan of Historical Fiction. WWII can become somewhat repetitive, if I am being honest. For me, this was a fantastic perspective. First, this is a dual point of view of a female Canadian and a male Canadian. I loved both perspectives so very much.
.
I was not as familiar with the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941. It was very interesting and I am so glad I was able to study this battle via this story.
.
There are a lot of other positive writing within this novel. The women's rights. The depression. The internal conflict with Jewish and Protestants. Loved it all.
.
You were given a bit of a love story and in my opinion it was the perfect amount. It was very predictable....but very enjoyable.
I will highly recommend this title. Much needed distraction and a great learning experience.
February 16, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham
PUB Date April 27 2021
Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschusterca for my ARC in return for an honest review.
Where do I start... I binged this read in one sitting. At one point tears were pouring down my face and my husband asked what was wrong...how could I explain... Genevieve does it soo much better.
Each time I pick up one of Genevieve’s books I am amazed by what I learn. There is soo much I do not know about my owns country’s history. So much I don’t know about Canada’s involvement in WWII.
I did not know about the circumstances that led to the Christie Pit Riots. I did not know about “Orangeman” or the parade that was held yearly. I did not know that Toronto had a Jewish newspaper in the 30’s. I am sorry to say “I did not know” when it comes to my own country’s history.
Genevieve sets the stage for Canada’s involvement in WWII by establishing the ideas and thoughts of the communities in Toronto leading up to Canada’s involvement. The story slowly progresses as tensions and unrest rise thoughout the country.
This Romeo and Juliet love story follows Molly and Max. They come from complete different backgrounds, Max is Jewish and studying to become a Doctor, and Molly, raised in a strict Protestant household was forced to leave school early to help support her family. The events at the Riot were just the beginning, soon World war breaks out and each turns down a different path, away from each other.
Family. Friends. During times of hardship we rely on our family and friends to support us, to sacrifice for us, to love us. With the love and support fo family anything is possible. Enduring a prison camp. Surviving a war. Chasing our dreams. Finding love, and keeping it. Genevieve holds the hand of the reader, taking them on a journey to the past, becoming a voice for the people whose memories lived in the moments in between.
The week before the Riot.
The month before Canada joined the war.
The minute before Max is captured.
The day Molly gets a job at the Star.
The years they are separated.
The moments they had before....
A read that will stay with me for awhile. A read I learned from. An author that moved me to ask questions about my Country’s history, and my family’s.
Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham
PUB Date April 27 2021
Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschusterca for my ARC in return for an honest review.
Where do I start... I binged this read in one sitting. At one point tears were pouring down my face and my husband asked what was wrong...how could I explain... Genevieve does it soo much better.
Each time I pick up one of Genevieve’s books I am amazed by what I learn. There is soo much I do not know about my owns country’s history. So much I don’t know about Canada’s involvement in WWII.
I did not know about the circumstances that led to the Christie Pit Riots. I did not know about “Orangeman” or the parade that was held yearly. I did not know that Toronto had a Jewish newspaper in the 30’s. I am sorry to say “I did not know” when it comes to my own country’s history.
Genevieve sets the stage for Canada’s involvement in WWII by establishing the ideas and thoughts of the communities in Toronto leading up to Canada’s involvement. The story slowly progresses as tensions and unrest rise thoughout the country.
This Romeo and Juliet love story follows Molly and Max. They come from complete different backgrounds, Max is Jewish and studying to become a Doctor, and Molly, raised in a strict Protestant household was forced to leave school early to help support her family. The events at the Riot were just the beginning, soon World war breaks out and each turns down a different path, away from each other.
Family. Friends. During times of hardship we rely on our family and friends to support us, to sacrifice for us, to love us. With the love and support fo family anything is possible. Enduring a prison camp. Surviving a war. Chasing our dreams. Finding love, and keeping it. Genevieve holds the hand of the reader, taking them on a journey to the past, becoming a voice for the people whose memories lived in the moments in between.
The week before the Riot.
The month before Canada joined the war.
The minute before Max is captured.
The day Molly gets a job at the Star.
The years they are separated.
The moments they had before....
A read that will stay with me for awhile. A read I learned from. An author that moved me to ask questions about my Country’s history, and my family’s.
April 25, 2021
Powerful, immersive, and unforgettable!
Letters Across the Sea is a pensive, enlightening tale that sweeps you away to Toronto during the 1930s and into the lives of the Irish Ryan family and the Jewish Dreyfus family as they navigate relationships strained by the Great Depression, religious differences, hatred, loss, misunderstandings, forbidden love, tragedy, and the sacrifices and inherent consequences of war.
The prose is evocative and rich. The characters are genuine, kindhearted, and courageous. And the plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine seamlessly into an alluring tale of life, loss, love, family, devastation, hardship, hope, friendship, self-discovery, and ultimately survival.
When it comes to novels involving Canadian history, nobody writes stories like Genevieve Graham. She takes little known or forgotten historical facts, infuses them with humanity, and then edges them all with a love story that is hard to put down, and Letters Across the Sea is no exception. It’s beautifully written, exceptionally memorable, and in parts devastatingly heart-wrenching, and in case it wasn’t obvious already, I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada & Genevieve Graham for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Letters Across the Sea is a pensive, enlightening tale that sweeps you away to Toronto during the 1930s and into the lives of the Irish Ryan family and the Jewish Dreyfus family as they navigate relationships strained by the Great Depression, religious differences, hatred, loss, misunderstandings, forbidden love, tragedy, and the sacrifices and inherent consequences of war.
The prose is evocative and rich. The characters are genuine, kindhearted, and courageous. And the plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine seamlessly into an alluring tale of life, loss, love, family, devastation, hardship, hope, friendship, self-discovery, and ultimately survival.
When it comes to novels involving Canadian history, nobody writes stories like Genevieve Graham. She takes little known or forgotten historical facts, infuses them with humanity, and then edges them all with a love story that is hard to put down, and Letters Across the Sea is no exception. It’s beautifully written, exceptionally memorable, and in parts devastatingly heart-wrenching, and in case it wasn’t obvious already, I absolutely loved it.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada & Genevieve Graham for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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