This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II

(Hardback)

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"I remember visiting Manzanar and standing in the windswept plains where over ten thousand internees were once imprisoned, their voices cut off. I remember how much I wanted to write a story that did right by them. Hopefully this book delivers."-Andrew Fukuda In 1935, ten - year - old Alex Maki, from Bainbridge Island, Washington, is disgusted when he's forced to become pen pals with Charlie Lvy of Paris, France-a girl. He thought she was a boy. In spite of Alex's reluctance, their letters continue to fly across the Atlantic, along with the shared hopes and dreams of friendship. Until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the growing Nazi persecution of Jews force both young people to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. From the desolation of an internment camp on the plains of Manzanar to the horrors of Auschwitz and the devastation of European battlefields, the only thing they can hold onto are the memories of their letters. But nothing can dispel the light between them.

Reviews

"This ele-gant-ly writ-ten sto-ry shines with human-i-ty and warmth. The con-nec-tion between these two cre-ative, car-ing, pas-sion-ate peo-ple who have nev-er met face-to-face, but are deeply con-nect-ed soul-to-soul, pul-sates with ener-gy and glows with beau-ty. ...highly recommended." --Jewish Book Council

"Fukuda (The Trap, 2013, etc.) artfully conveys Alex's inner turmoil and paints visceral combat scenes. ...An intriguing premise and fascinating tale." --Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Born in Manhattan and raised in Hong Kong, Andrew Fukuda earned a bachelor's degree in history from Cornell University. Fukuda's experience volunteering with the immigrant teen community in Manhattan's Chinatown led to the writing of Crossing, his debut novel that was selected by ALA Booklist as an Editor's Choice, Top Ten First Novel, and Top Ten Crime Novel. He currently resides on Long Island, New York, with his family.