I don't know where to begin. Exceptional work. My husband is a big WWII fan and has talked about it for 37 years and he lived in Japan for a few years. Being an ex-Army wife and my husband being involved in 2 wars and many conflicts...this book hit home and for me it was personal.
The 4 young main characters were wonderful. I loved everyone. I felt the family's love and devotion as well as their hurts, hopes and pain. I prayed with them. Each had a story and I could relate to all. It was nice to see women portrayed in such a fine manner-despite doubts or concerns...they were great. Chris...oh man...his character was very emotional for me. Alex reminds me of so many good people l know from the military.
The involved history from Pearl Harbor...I've been...to the end of the war was spot on. I was never bored and this book had me from the 1st page. The conflict of hating the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers to forgiveness was personal to me too. I only know of them as wonderful and peaceful from our days of Japanese exchange students. We also lived in Germany for 6 years and I felt all of that too.
The description of the places and people were engaging. The history of FDR, Truman and General MacArthur was portrayed well. I lived in places in Germany and American Army bases with names of Oppenheimer and others. The conflict of the atomic bomb was felt deeply in my soul. I felt the loss of the dead, the discouraged lives and acts of kindness and bravery.
I felt their world. The book is amazing. I loved the Grandma who was a doctor. She was inspirational. The parents were real. Problems, their beliefs, history, the good and bad...l felt it all.
I finished the book awhile ago but it touched my soul so much l couldn't write about it. It was a privilege reading this book. I don't have much time to read for enjoyment lately and this book isn't a fluff book of small talk and things that don't matter. It is exceptional. It gave me hope.
I highly recommend this book. An uplifting story, at times tragic, but one that will stay with you.