A Bright and Blinding Sun: A World War II Story of Survival, Love, and Redemption

by Marcus Brotherton

From a  New York Times  bestselling author comes the incredible true story of an underage soldier's first love and loss on the battlefields of Bataan and Corregidor—perfect for fans of  The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz  and  Unbroken .

Joe Johnson Jr. ran away from home at the age of 12, hopping a freight train at the height of the Great Depression. He managed to talk his way into the U.S. Army two years later. Seeking freedom and adventure, he was sent to the Philippines.   Adrift in spirit, Joe visited a teenage prostitute, and they became unlikely, smitten allies. Yet when the Japanese attacked on December 8, 1941, their hopes of being together had to wait.   Joe and his fellow soldiers fought for four brutal months in Bataan and Corregidor, until they were forced to surrender. The boy endured years of horror as a prisoner of war, only dreaming about seeing again the girl he’d come to love.  This lyrically written and deeply encouraging saga will remind you that every life can be lifted, forgiveness is the patron of restoration, and redemption is available to all. 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, World War II, War

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 24, 2022

About the author

Marcus Brotherton is a New York Times bestselling author and coauthor dedicated to writing books that inspire heroics, promote empathy, and encourage noble living. His commendations include the Christopher Award for literature “that affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”

His newest book, THE LONG MARCH HOME, (coauthored with Tosca Lee) was inspired by true stories of friendship, sacrifice, and hope on the Bataan Death March during WW2. It received 3 distinct starred reviews--from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.

Notable solo projects include:
* A Bright and Blinding Sun
* Blaze of Light
* Shifty's War
* Who Are Alive & Remain
* A Company of Heroes
* Feast for Thieves

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this having no idea what it was about. I've enjoyed other books by the author and from the title knew it's about WWII. At the beginning, I wasn't quite sure where the story was headed, but that later became clear.

Joe Johnson enlisted in the military at age 15. He very quickly found himself on a ship bound for the Philippines. This is his story. It was fascinating to learn more about the eastern theater through the events of Joe's military service. The way his life story unfolds was incredibly effective and engaging.

Did I love how things ended? Sort of, but not completely. What I did love was Joe's outlook on life which was shared in a 2016 interview when he was 90 years old.

[Hannah Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, powerful, and unforgettable, “A Bright and Blinding Sun” is the story of a 15-year-old private’s life and the hardships he endured as a POW. From page one, Brotherton pulls you into Joe’s world and has you rooting for him, worrying about him, and hurting right alongside him. Hundreds of things are to be admired in Joe. His bravery. His resilience. His compassionate heart—especially to those he loved, like Perpetua.

But the biggest quality I admired in Joe was his hope. He fought through endless times when it would have been so easy to give up. To throw his arms in the air and sink. Instead, he pressed on with the hope that he would survive the war, find the girl he loved, and see his family again.

And then, years later in his living room, Joe met the Hope. Christ Jesus. The ending had me in tears. Joe’s conclusion to everything—the pain, the abuse, the horrors of his time in POW camps—was so moving and raw and true. “Life is too short to hold on to your hurt,” says Joe. “You got to set that hurt down.”

Joe did and that’s what makes his story so powerful. Bravo to Brotherton for writing this book so masterfully, with enough detail, history, and emotion to stamp the story into our minds forever. An excellent five-star read.

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Right from the start, I was pretty certain this was going to be a book I would not finish. It opens with a flight from a brothel and includes a number of curse words. I kept going hoping to reach the story of redemption promised in the blurb. Unfortunately, long before the story even reaches the opening days of WW2, it describes with some detail his and his friends yielding to the temptations of the seamier side of Manila. It is handled with some delicacy, but it was to debauched for me.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company. No review was required. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am one of the 17 people who read Joe Johnson’s autobiography titled “Baby of Bataan.” I’m giving this five stars for content, but it really is just another version of that original book, just redone to bring more attention to this incredible story. If you are able to find the baby book, I highly recommend that one, it’s so compelling. This is respectful and I appreciate what was done here by Brotherton. What a story this is. I also think more could be done for the rest of Joes life, that would be interesting too.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about history and, once again, Marcus Brotherton does a wonderful job of sharing a true story of important events told through the eyes of one person. It's one thing to read facts about history; it's another thing altogether to understand how world events impacted an individual. In this book, the reader experiences events of WWII as Private Joe Johnson experienced them: his responses, his extreme challenges, his emotions, his hopes and fears. In the midst of a war he entered as a very young man with limited understanding, he finds himself alone and fighting for survival. As the cover states, this is additionally a story of love and redemption. Even though Joe is struggling to find his own way through the war and back home, he is able to help others and live out his belief that "If you're a soldier you got to be willing to die for the folks you're called to protect." (p. 28)
Brotherton does not simply tell Joe Johnson's story by listing facts and relaying the transcript of an interview. The research and thought that was required in order to adequately communicate the emotional experiences of this veteran is very clear. Though I'm certain we could never fully experience what our veterans did, I believe that Brotherton's talent lies in allowing the reader a glimpse into understanding what they went through, if only just enough that we gain a greater appreciation for the sacrifices that were made on our behalf. As Johnson said, "A man gives his life so others can be free- he's a hero. We forget that these days" (p. 168) I read stories like this one so that I can remember what our veterans have done. If you also value the opportunity to do so, I highly recommend this book.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story, masterfully woven, about a too-young soldier who ends up in the Philippines nine months before WWII arrived. Joe spent five months fighting the Japanese on Bataan and Corregidor, 3 1/2 gruesome years as a POW. Bookending this important part of history is Joe's relationship with a too-young prostitute, whom he manages to rescue, and how Joe eventually recognizes God's work even during devastating months. A compelling redemption story. Highly recommended.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read so far in 2022!

Wow. Very similar to Unbroken. About 3/4 through the book I started thinking, all these things really couldn't happen to one person. The author takes documents sources at the end of the book. Pictures and other associated documentation are included.

I knew very little about the history of the Philippines during WWII and this book helps put it into perspective.

Very well written and highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read A Bright and Blinding Sun in exchange for an honest review. And also for (again) introducing me to a fabulous author I had somehow overlooked. Also thank you to Marcus Brotherton the author and Little, Brown and Company the publisher. Publication date is 24 May 2022.

[Bruce Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story that gives you a new respect for our POW’s

Marcus Brotherton is an excellent story-teller in this incredible recounting of the exploits of a too-young soldier in WWII. This is as much a love story as it is a story about survival and human spirit and resilience. Following from a young age through an amazing lifetime, this story will amaze, enchant and humble you through every chapter. I really can’t recommend it more highly. Truly a story you must read.

[J.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to get through, especially his time as a POW, but teaches resiliency in spite of everything. Fans of Unbroken will especially enjoy.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, this is one of his best books ever. I have read almost all of his books, but this one hit me the hardest. The story of this very young man, and what he goes though in such a short time is an incredible and moving journey. I tired to place myself in his shoes, and every time I do, I discover that it is almost impossible. But what we learn about forgiveness and love, is a gift that we all can receive from reading this book. Should you spend your time reading this book? Absolutely. This is the story that our generation needs to hear the most right now.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a remarkable saga of one man’s experience during World War II amidst harsh POW conditions. Gritty, sad, hopeful, emotional, and desperate all at the same time.

[Lee Husemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than 5 stars! It is a very powerful story of Joseph Johnson Jr who ran away from his father's care at the age of 14 and went to the Army Recruiters and joined the Army in 1941. He told them he was 18 and did not have his birth certificate. The did not challenge him about his age and he joined. When they asked for volunteers to go the the Philippines for some special training, only Joe and a friend, stepped forward and they were sent there. Subsequently, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Joe fought for four months before he was taken Prisoner of War and remained a POW until the war ended in 1945. This is a very well researched and well written of account of Joe's life before, during and after the war. I really enjoyed this book and also found it to be very educational.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this very interesting book of survival, redemption and love.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Goodreads and this proved to be a Good read.
This is written by an actual POW survivor of WWII who enlisted in the Army at the age of 15 by lying about his age. He was born in Texas caring for his younger brother and sister when he father left for another job and never returned.
He wrote the book in third person and with lots of emotion and details. His name is Joseph Johnson.
He was trained at boot camp and sent to Manilla and was befriended by 2 older soldiers who suspected his young age. Their uniforms were surplus WWI supply. They showed him to keep his head down and bottom up. They also took him out to drink and meet women, and to a brothel.
It was there he meet a beautiful young woman from the Philippines. It was an instant attraction. He often requested her services even though they usually spent the time talking and cuddling. They learned together and she called him her "American Soldier Boy".
The people of the Philippines were living in independence until the Japanese took over their cities.
Joe learned to be the bugler for the company, and also became a scout and runner between companies. Death was a constant companion, taking his best friend too soon.
Malaria, dehydration and starvation were also part of his life after the capture of his company by the Japanese. Cruelty, beatings, malnutrition and spending 3 birthdays in captivity. He never forgot his beautiful love and was told she was with child, but no guarantee that the child was his. He was able to move her to a convent in the care of nuns.
Manilla was left on its on when General MacArthur was forced to evacuate.
Joe was moved to another camp for POWs and the harsh treatment took its toll on his mental state. He lost another friend when he was beheading upon capture after trying to escape the camp. He felt totally alone and was only 17. He survived the atomic bomb dropping after the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.
His motto was to survive and face his fears. He grew to be over 6 feet tall and only weighed 110 pounds.
He was injured in a coal mine and his ankle was infected and painful. He was in a constant pain and possibly could loose his leg.
The allies rescued him and the remaining POWs and took him to a hospital for rehabilitation and training. Delirious and under medication he thought he saw the woman he loved. It was her, she was training to be a nurse. They embraced and were warned about continuing their relationship.
He was sent to the states for additional therapy and wrote letters until they just stopped even though he continued writing.
His mental state was in jeopardy due to seeing so much death and pain and suffering before the age of 18. Counseling helped, and with the love of his mother, brother and sister was able to pretend things were "okay". He found out his mother received his letters from the girl, but did not give them to him until many years later. He married 3 times and his last wife insisted he return to Manilla to find out what happened and why the letters stopped.
He was able to continue with the help of religion and then became a speaker for POWs telling other soldiers his story about survival and redemption.
There were actual pictures at the back of the book documenting his life.

[Yuri Beckers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well respected author Marcus Brotherton wrote another heartfelt, touching and interesting book with A Bright and Blinding Sun. Joe was just 15 years old when he enlisted voluntarily to serve in the U.S. Army in 1940. Lying about his age, it would be the start of an unbelievable journey for Joe. The first part of the book reads like a classic adventure tale. I personally know very little about the events in Manila, and reading about the events through the eyes of Joe and the words of Marcus, really painted a clear picture for me.

I will never know how it is to enlist and enter the Army. A lot of questions and unknown situations that will come your way. In the book we go through these things through Joe. During and after training, a lot of "firsts" happen for Joe. We see Joe grow from a kid into a veteran in a short time.

After reading the book, the title really stands out for me. It captures two different things I felt while reading the book. On one hand, I feel that when looking into a bright and blinding sun, you are not able to see that well, you are not aware of what is coming, or what you are facing. This is exactly what Joe is going through from the start. Every day, new situations come up, and Joe deals with them as they come. Fighting fellow men in training, feelings for a young girl, friendship, the sadness of losing friends, the experience of battle, being captured and held in Japanese labor camps, and finding peace and love through all of these situations.

Then, on the other hand, a bit further in the book, I feel that the bright and blinding sun is his destination and guidance. An outcome he is working towards... finding love and capturing and nurturing it. Finding that moment of redemption, peace, a purpose. For me, different ways that make the title perfect to the story.

What touched me the most in this true story, is how Joe managed to take each situation as it was thrown at him. He dealt with it, and grew stronger from each experience. For me, it is an inspirational story that kept me thinking after finishing the book. There are so many situations that can shape us as a human being, and Marcus always has a way of describing each little detail with such clear words, they really stick.
Describing the surroundings and feelings with beautifully crafted words, Marcus takes us on the journey with Joe.

Something I also want to point out is that I am impressed with all the historical research done by the author. Telling a story about a person is one thing, but to place the story in historical settings and events is something that is not easy. In A Bright and Blinding sun one can truly appreciate the research done as each event is clearly described in a way everyone can understand, with the context of the history explained in a way it complements the story fittingly.

As with all books written by Marcus Brotherton, I feel this is another unique well written and told story and deals with a subjects that is not that well known to the masses.

A book that must be read, and will leave you inspired to do good in this world.

[Jake Graig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that my review of A Bright and Blinding Sun is going to be a little biased because Joe Johnson was my Uncle, and along with other family members, we provided insight and information about our Uncle to Marcus. I grew up learning about Uncle Joe's experiences firsthand from the man himself and always wished his story could be told to a wider audience and Marcus has made that wish come true.
He has written a beautiful and moving "coming of age" story like no other. It has always been a humbling experience to realize that the growing pains I experienced from the ages 14 to 17 pales in comparison to what my Uncle experienced at those ages. The cruelty and brutality he endured at the tender age of 15, and the sacrifices he made under conditions that are barely imaginable today is a dose of reality we all should honor and never forget.
There are many definitions of a hero, but for me, a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength and resolve to survive, preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.....and that accurately describes my Uncle.
Marcus's extensive research and talent has produced an excellent, heart-wrenching and moving tale of survival, redemption and forgiveness. Highly recommended.

[Courtney Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of hope, redemption and beyond-what-you-could-ever-fathom-possible… it’s not at all what I thought it would be. It was far better. I’m not a History buff. I‘ve never gotten through a book recounting any war. But this story kept me reading wondering, “Will he ever…?” and “How does a person survive so much hardship?”

I cried over the indomitable spirit of Joe, an underaged American soldier, but also the depiction of the tender kindness of the Filipino people, the history of POW’s in the Pacific Islands during WW2. It is a window into that time and was painted so richly with colors so deep - I think it’s made me a fan of History after all.

If it’s been one thing after another and you wonder: How much can one person/family take?! Read this book and you’ll have your answer. For you. It will give you the answer for your own personal war story.

The end will knock the wind out of you. You won’t believe it.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

12 year old Joe Johnson Jr. ran away from home during the Great Depression and talked his way into the US Army. Two years later he is stationed in the Philippines prior to Pearl Harbor. He is chided for his youthful appearance, is the only one to shoot ‘expert’ in his training class, becomes a bugler and becomes smitten by a Filipino prostitute a few months younger than him. His, and everyone else’s, world changes when the Japanese strike Pearl Harbor. After fighting valiantly for four months, enduring crushing defeats at Bataan and Corregidor, Joe’s life as a 6’2” 110 pound prisoner is a struggle. He thinks about the young prostitute he saves and wonders if he’ll ever see her again. This gripping true story of incredible survival during the horrors of war, and love, are written in the same spirit as Unbroken.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Johnson Jr. ran away from home at the age of 12 and two years later talked his way into the U.S. Army. He entered the Army looking for work, seeking freedom and adventure, like many boys his age often do. Soon he was sent to the Philippines and with that, he fell in love and war started, none of which he was ready for and this book is his tale. Like many of the Greatest Generation, he was thrown into a war that was unexpected and dealt with horrors no man or woman should ever have to endure and live with the hauntings for the rest of their lives but Mr. Johnson did and came out, in the end, a better human then even he thought he might. This is a great book well worth the read.

[Michael Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a hardscrabble Memphis youth during the depression, twelve-year-old Joe Johnson hops the rails to join his absent father in Texas. A couple years later, when that relationship is not working, Joe talks his way into the US army (at 14!) and gets sent to Manila. It's 1941 and he has just established friends and a kind of stasis when the Japanese turn the Pacific into a battleground. Joe ends up a POW and survives through luck, street-smarts, and grit. This is a remarkable account of a kid who grows up way too fast, and ultimately finds his way to forgiveness. An absorbing read.

[Patricia Somma DiBartolomeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bright and Blinding Sun
By Marcus Brotherton

This is the story of Joseph Johnson (1926 a 2017), a young man who runs away from home during the Depression only to talk his way into the Army at the ago of 14 but telling everyone he was 18. Joe fought in Bataan and Corregidor until they were forced to surrender to the Japanese. Joe endured four years as a POW enduring torture and starvation. A story of love for a Filipina girl that kept him going as well as the thought of coming home. We must never forget those who fought bravely during WWII.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book on several levels. It tells the often-told story of treatment of POWs in the Philippines by the Japanese. This one is different in that the memoir is that of a boy soldier who enlisted at 15. He fell in love with a Filipina prostitute and ended up in Japan at a slave labor camp. The story follows his internment after the fall of Corregidor and to the end of the war and discusses his views on PTSD. It is a great story. I highly recommend it.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! What courage, perserverance, mental and physical fortitude! I keep shaking my head thinking how could anyone survive what he went through. What a testimony to the power of forgiveness to be the only path towards healing. I don't think I could do that either. The book got better as it went....I felt the writing (not the story) was a bit pedestrian to start with - if this is you as well, stick it out, it gets better.

[Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe this story is non-fiction as it written very convincingly and smoothly and as if the plot was organized for the perfect fictional tale (reminiscent of All the Light We Cannot See). Well told story of 15 year-old American ww2 soldier in the Philippines. 9 months pre war, 6 months in Bataan/Corregidor and 3+ years POW. And an overarching love story to boot. Quite a surprising and random find in the library. Worth every page.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping story of a fourteen year old boy who faked his way into the army during WWII and then was involved in brutal combat, injuries, and the brutality of a Japanese prison camp. Gripping reading!

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love first person accounts of the war.

Although I never served, and Joe Johnson did, and forgave, I simply do not understand how we let so many obviously guilty Japanese get away with what they did.

There have to be consequences for actions, not retribution, but consequences…just my opinion

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written account of an incredibly challenging story. I'm sure it must have been a difficult story to hear and write. Nevertheless, Brotherton did a great job of blending the original written words with a more narrative story. Powerful WW2 history.

[Mike Outten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and researched book. Easy to read. The torture, the experiences, The "Hope" to persevere were gut wrenching. War is horrible. This novel captures the morbid side of humanity. Joe survived and lived to be 91!!!! Good on you sir.

[Ted Haussman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oops. Finished this awhile ago and forgot to rate it.

It’s a story somewhat in the vein on Unbroken, but it’s a touching live story as well. I’m surprised that it took so long for the story to be told.

[Hannah H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really opened my eyes to the experiences of prisoners of war. A captivating story, albeit a wee bit gory (understandably so). I really liked the inclusion of all the photos, it made everything much more real.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read