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About this item
Highlights
- "A memorable and moving exploration of prejudice and friendship across ethnic and gender lines.
- About the Author: Amy Lynn Green is a publicist by day and a freelance writer on nights and weekends.
- 416 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
In this epistolary novel from the WWII home front, Johanna Berglund is forced to return to her small Midwestern town to become a translator at a German prisoner-of-war camp. There, amid old secrets and prejudice, she finds that the POWs have hidden depths. When the lines between compassion and treason are blurred, she must decide where her heart truly lies.Book Synopsis
"A memorable and moving exploration of prejudice and friendship across ethnic and gender lines. For readers who enjoy tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary historical situations."--Library Journal starred reviewHeadstrong and determined, linguistics student Johanna Berglund has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind. But when the only way to her intended future is through undertaking a translator position at a nearby camp for German POWs, she reluctantly accepts.
Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy Minnesota town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her close friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.
As Johanna interacts with the prisoners and censors their letters home, she begins to see them in a more sympathetic light, but advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and she must decide where her heart truly lies.
From the Back Cover
Ironside Lake, MinnesotaJanuary 1944
Headstrong and determined, linguistics student Johanna Berglund has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind. But when the only way to her intended future is through undertaking a translator position at a nearby camp for German POWs, she reluctantly accepts.
Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy Minnesota town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her close friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.
As Johanna interacts with the prisoners and censors their letters home, she begins to see them in a more sympathetic light, but advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and she must decide where her heart truly lies.
"Green debuts with an enthralling epistolary tale revolving around a WWII-era treason trial. . . . This is a smart examination of patriotism, prejudice, and purpose."--Publishers Weekly
"Green's epistolary novel set during World War II will appeal to fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society."--Library Journal
"Green's debut is a memorable and moving exploration of prejudice and friendship across ethnic and gender lines. For readers who enjoy tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary historical situations à la Susan Meissner and Lisa Wingate."--Library Journal starred review
"Green proves to be a first-rate author in her remarkable first novel about humanity and patriotism. Things We Didn't Say is told entirely through letters, in which readers follow the correspondence of Johanna, POWs, military commanders, and community members, watching their fascinating, complex story unfold. Through her ambitious use of this limiting format, Green brilliantly creates a limitless and captivating reading experience with the nuance and wisdom of a seasoned writer. The timeless dichotomy of forgiveness and justice rings with contemporary relevance, and Johanna will be a well-loved heroine for her gumption, humility, and wit."--Booklist starred review
"I was captivated by this book, which was so well written that the personalities of the characters shone, and their individual nuances were conveyed expertly through their letters. I don't think many writers can share such an amazing story and well-developed characters in epistolary style, so I was surprised that this is Amy Lynn Green's debut novel." --Historical Novels Review, Editors' Choice
Praise for Things We Didn't Say
"Amy Lynn Green expertly wields wit, heart, history, and enveloping storytelling in this glorious debut."--Amanda Dykes, author of Set the Stars Alight and Whose Waves These Are
"With impeccable research, Amy Lynn Green casts a light on the POW camps in America during World War II. . . . Make space on your bookshelf, because this book is a keeper!"--Sarah Sundin, bestselling and award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series
"This winsome epistolary is underscored by a deep look at patriotism, prejudice, unwavering faith, duty, and love."--Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
About the Author
Amy Lynn Green is a publicist by day and a freelance writer on nights and weekends. She was the 2014 winner of the Family Fiction short story contest, and her articles have been featured in Crosswalk, Focus on the Family magazines, and other faith-based publications over the past 10 years. This is her first novel. Learn more at www.amygreenbooks.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.5 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x 1.2 Inches (D)
Weight: .85 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 416
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Format: Paperback
Author: Amy Lynn Green
Language: English
Street Date: November 3, 2020
TCIN: 80158363
UPC: 9780764237164
Item Number (DPCI): 247-46-6793
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.2 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.5 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.85 pounds
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4.8 out of 5 stars with 4 reviews
Well Executed
5 out of 5 stars
labornotinvain - 5 years ago
The title of this book is so fitting. Told completely through correspondence sent and unsent, as well as newspaper articles and editorials, the story unfolds just as much from what is written as what is left unsaid between the lines. Joanna Berglund reluctantly returns to her hometown leaving behind her language studies at the University of Minnesota to fulfill the requirements of her scholarship with patriotic service working as a translator for a German POW camp in her hometown. Joanna has a gift for language, and a passion to take her education as far as she can, she can be stubborn and blunt, which often puts her at odds with the townspeople of which her father is mayor. She writes many letters over the course of the book, but the ones that form the framework of the story are the ones between her and her dear friend Peter Ito, a second generation Japanese American, who is serving his country as a language teacher for military intelligence. Peter is easily my favorite character in this book, he takes things as they come, he loves his country, but struggles with how America has treated him and his family. He is the perfect temper to Joanna's flame, I loved how they both encourage each other and bring out the best in each other. I admired his hope, honesty, and strong faith in God. Compelling and well executed, I was skeptical when I first learned that the story would be told completely through letters, but it works well in this instance, and I liked that it left parts to be filled in by my imagination. I loved how Joanna is most honest in her letters to Peter, and that this book addresses the tough questions that Joanna struggles with, like prejudice, justice, and loving our enemies. In short I liked that she had questions, and challenges the pat answers. Everything comes together with a stunning ending that had me glued to the page. Overall, a worthy read that stuck with me long after I'd turned the last page, with a hero and heroine that I could cheer for throughout. I will definitely be reading more books from this author in the future! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Quite an Interesting Story!
4 out of 5 stars
Rebecca Maney - 5 years ago
"Don't hold on so tightly to one idea of what you want that you don't let God push you in another direction." Linguistics student Johanna Berglund is brilliant, determined, a bit cynical and overly headstrong; in other words, she clutches her dreams for the future very tightly, dreams which include post graduate work at Oxford University in England, among other things. So when she is forced (according to her) to choose between changing directions (serving her country) or losing her coveted college scholarship money (the worst possible thing that could happen to her), Johanna reluctantly returns to her small hometown of Ironside Lake, Minnesota to serve as an Army translator in a German prisoner of war camp, censoring their letters home and providing a means of communication between the guards and inmates. Leaving behind a best friend, a Japanese American language teacher at a school for military intelligence officers, the two comrades resort to letters filled with spirited conversations and timely advice (mostly Peter to Johanna). Things get a little dicey when Johanna's kindnesses towards the occupants of the German camp land her in a bit of trouble (a lot of trouble, actually) and Peter's war time assignment takes a turn into a dangerous direction(his life just might be at stake). Caught between two conflicts, while painfully watching her future disappear before her very eyes, Johanna learns the value of silence; "it's where God is most likely to be heard", a valuable lesson for one's head and heart. Granted, it may take awhile to rest comfortably within the pages of this epistolary novel, nonetheless, the author skillfully moves the story line along with her brightly contrasting characters and their conversant natures, some of whom hide their charlatan motives quite well. When the last page turns, you will realize exactly what you have just read, for even Jo herself states, "I've found that every letter has two messages; the one written on the lines and the ones written between them". Quite an impressive debut novel! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Emotional and thought-provoking
5 out of 5 stars
- 5 years ago
"We can easily hurt others, and once we do, there's no escaping each other. Forgiveness is all that keeps us together, and withholding it keeps us apart." What a unique and powerful debut novel from Amy Green! Told entirely through letters sent from one person to another toward the end of WWII, the novel speaks about grace, forgiveness, human condition, and the power of love through candid, raw, and often heart-breaking words. There are quite a few letter writers represented in the story but the main voice of Jo is fresh, inquisitive, intelligent, and quite funny while Peter is loyal, kind, true and wise. Jo is somewhat self-centered in the beginning as the introverted prodigy linguist but she weathers the hardships to emerge stronger and more sure. I really enjoyed getting to know Peter and felt a kinship with him as a fellow Asian-American and immigrant. Jo and Peter's friendship is delightful and learning about German POW camps in the US was quite fascinating. This book is soul-stirring, thought-provoking, and truly well-written. It asks us how we, as "just fallible people trying desperately to make sense of an incomprehensibly complex world," can help each other despite our differences in race, color, culture, and religion. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
WWII Letters
5 out of 5 stars
Maureen - 5 years ago
I loved this book, the entire book is built on letters, becoming a lost art, and we get an indebth look at the life of Johanna Berglund. Johanna is a brilliant woman, and is fluent in languages, so she is persuaded to come home to her own town in MN and translate for the new internment facility being built there for German prisoners. The time period is WWII and emotions and loss are high, patriotism, and now a camp is coming into their back yard. Johanna's life is laid open here, along with her friends, mainly Peter, and your concern for him will certainly go up! A don't miss book that gives a personal look into this period of time in our countries history! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.