It wasn't until college that I learned about the fact that Japanese Americans were interned in various locations during World War II, seen by some as enemies of the United States. I was instantly curious about this and have always wanted to know more about the Japanese American experience during this time.
Susan Meissner's latest book, The Last Year of the War, provides an in-depth look at the friendship between Elise Sontag, a German American and Mariko Inoue, a Japanese American whose families were both detained at Crystal City, an internment camp in Texas.
For readers who thought that only Japanese Americans were in these camps, Meissner explains how Elise's family came to be there: her parents were born in Germany, but had lived in the US for over twenty years. They hadn't finalized their citizenship, never having a sense of urgency about the need to do it. By the time they tried to become US citizens, the war was underway and their request was never granted.
Despite different backgrounds, the girls become best friends at the camp. However, their families are repatriated - sent back to their country of origin. Now decades have past, and Elise has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Before she forgets her past entirely, she wants to reunite with Mariko and spend some time with her best friend.
I love Meissner's books, so I'll read pretty much anything she writes. However, this one is especially good. Readers will learn a lot about the experience of Japanese Americans - and other immigrants - during World War II, as well as what life was like during the last year of the war in Germany, where Elise's family was forced to return.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys WWII novels, historical fiction, or great storytelling. Last week I shared historical fiction books I enjoyed as well, and I've enjoyed them all!
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