The
setting for this novel is a Japanese internment camp in the
Philippines during World War II. Based on actual events, Tolsma has
created a novel about the horrors of war in the Pacific.
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Woven
through this revealing picture of the internment camp is the
relationship of an American missionary and a Manila night club owner.
While there is some attraction between them, their lifestyles and
belief systems clash. They both have secrets from their past that may
sabotage any possible romance. Only the power of the gospel could
make the way clear between them. (The gospel is clearly presented in
the novel.)
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The
only aspect of the novel I felt lacking was in the description of
the camp. It was located on the grounds of a university but I just
could not picture it. I wish there has been more descriptive
paragraphs, painting the scene for us. Perhaps a map of the camp at
the beginning of the book would have helped. I was not clear on how
people could roam around the camp, how some were kept in dorm style
buildings while others had their own shanties. A little more
descriptive background would have helped in visualizing the scenes.
This
is the third in this World War II series, with Snow on Tulips
set in the Netherlands and Daisies Are Forever in Germany.
Tolsma's son suggested one novel should take place in the Pacific
Theater. She interviewed a woman who survived the Santo Tomas
Internment Camp as a child for background. She has included an
historic note at the end of the novel, indicating which events and
people are historic.
In
an interview, Tolsma said that she hopes readers will take away from
this novel the assurance that, no matter the circumstances, God is
always faithful. She also wants readers to realize how precious are
the freedoms we have that we so frequently take for granted.
This
is another good novel from Tolsma. I recommend it. A Reading Group Guide is included.
I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read other reviews here.
I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read other reviews here.
Liz
Tolsma is a New York Times best selling author. She lives in
Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.
You can find out more at www.liztolsma.com.
Thomas
Nelson, 384 pages. You can purchase a copy here.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse
Publicity for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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