lizella 's review for:

3.0

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I hadn't previously read any books set during World War II that dealt with the internment of Japanese Americans. Jamie Ford was able to tell the story of Henry Lee in a way that articulated the many conflicts within him as a boy who is living between opposing cultures and loyalties in a time of war and suspicion. Seeing it through the eyes of an innocent young adult puts the sorrow and hope that runs through the story on a human scale. Having the juxtaposition of the present in the past also lends perspective on how much has changed as well as the things that will always remain important.

I have a few issues with the story, but for the most part, I could overlook these and take in the bigger themes about family, sacrifice, and love.