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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner


A friendship made in an internment camp during WWII that lasted only eighteen months, but bonds and memories that lasted a lifetime.

Elise and Mariko met during WWII while attending school in an internment camp for Japanese and German Americans.

We follow both girls through their eighteen months in the camp as well as after even though the friends never saw each other again until they were older adults. They tried to connect with each other, but they never were able to.  

At this time in their lives, Elise was suffering from dementia, and she found out Mariko was dying from stage four breast cancer. 
Even though Elise had trouble remembering things, she remembered enough to find Mariko, to get on a plane, and to find her before they both were no longer alive.

THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR is a marvelous history lesson and a testament to enduring friendship
and learning lessons and making decisions. 

The subject matter wasn't light, but it was wonderful learning more about this time in history.  I actually wasn't aware of all that happened.  It is very obvious that Ms. Meissner did extensive research and perfectly fit the facts into her book.

If you enjoy historical fiction and Ms. Meissner's books, you will want to make room on your bookshelf for THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR.

As all of her books, the beautiful flow of Ms. Meissner's writing and her attention to detail make the book a treat to read.  5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.


13 comments:

  1. Another FABULOUS read by Susan Meissner.

    Thanks for stopping.

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  2. This is the second great review of this book I've seen. I've got to check it out.

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    1. Her books are always so good.

      I learned a lot from it too.

      Thanks for commenting, Kathy.

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  3. Thanks, Elizabeth, you make this sound like a book I would really enjoy. I'll have to look for it in the library.

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    1. You will like it, Alex.

      Historical Fiction that is very well done.

      Thanks for commenting.

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  4. I've been meaning to read this author. Thanks for the great review.

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    1. All of her books are very good.

      ENJOY if you read this book or any of her books, Laurel.

      Thanks for commenting.

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  5. Oh sounds so sad but what an incredible friendship.

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    1. It was an incredible friendship and book.

      Thanks for commenting, Kathryn.

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  6. I've enjoyed a couple of her books and will add this title to my list. Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth.

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    Replies
    1. ENJOY when you read it.

      It is so well done and very interesting.

      Thanks for commenting, Mary.

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  7. Replies
    1. Excellent historical fiction.

      Thanks for commenting, Carole.

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