A review by reynoldsreads
When We Were Young & Brave by Hazel Gaynor

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Historical fiction set in Japan-occupied China during World War II

Nancy Plummer and her teacher, Elspeth Kent, are living in Chefoo, China, at a school for the children of American and British missionaries when America declares war on Japan following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Overnight, they become prisoners in enemy territory, and soon Japanese soldiers are pouring in and taking control.

After several relocations, the students and staff find themselves in a prisoner camp. Nancy and Elspeth each struggle in their own ways to adapt to their new reality and keep hope alive that someday they will be free and reunited with their families. But none of them will escape unscathed by the horrors of war. 
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