amdame1's review
3.0
This novel explores themes of war, family, secrets, and friendship in the context of an extended family’s summer vacation in 1965. Holly looks forward to the annual trip to the lake cottage with her immediate and extended family, but this year things are a little different. Tension rises as aunts and uncles fight, cousins are estranged, political differences abound, and long-held family secrets are closely guarded. Yet Holly and cousin Ivy find information about a family friend, an uncle, and the Japanese internment camps that could either bring everyone together or shatter things irreparably.
There’s a lot going on in this novel and it is occasionally difficult to keep track of all the characters. Most chapters are written from Holly’s POV, but occasionally switches over to Ivy’s diary. While these changes are clearly marked, it is still a bit disconcerting because it happens irregularly.
Good addition for those with a Japanese internment curriculum.
There’s a lot going on in this novel and it is occasionally difficult to keep track of all the characters. Most chapters are written from Holly’s POV, but occasionally switches over to Ivy’s diary. While these changes are clearly marked, it is still a bit disconcerting because it happens irregularly.
Good addition for those with a Japanese internment curriculum.
alwyshaveabook82's review
4.0
This story of girl cousins growing up during a summer at their grandparents place on a New Hampshire lake is historical fiction with nicely drawn characters. Holly and Ivy are thirteen years old and finding their strengths. This summer seems different because Holly’s parents are in California and Ivy’s parents are fighting. Still, the traditional hikes, boating, games, and playacting are fun. The list of campfire songs in 1965 is great.
With twenty-year-old Randy concerned with life choices during wartime, questions arise about Uncle Jesse who died in 1942. Several clues are found and questions asked but only the appearance of a stranger can unravel the secrets and heal the hurt.
The book has many characters and the mystery is well disguised. The unfamiliar history of conscientious objectors is intriguing. The loving descriptions of summers in the woods are marvelous. Readers will learn about American history and enjoy a good yarn. This is a great addition to books about the internment of Japanese and the Japanese Americans.
With twenty-year-old Randy concerned with life choices during wartime, questions arise about Uncle Jesse who died in 1942. Several clues are found and questions asked but only the appearance of a stranger can unravel the secrets and heal the hurt.
The book has many characters and the mystery is well disguised. The unfamiliar history of conscientious objectors is intriguing. The loving descriptions of summers in the woods are marvelous. Readers will learn about American history and enjoy a good yarn. This is a great addition to books about the internment of Japanese and the Japanese Americans.
More...