by Amy Lynn Green
This is a debut novel, written as an epistolary. I found it absolutely amazing, and with an unusual depth. Because of it’s style, it did remind me just a bit of “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”.
I loved reading and getting to know Jo Bergland. She is smart, determined, and an all-around wonderful heroine. Her plans to attend college at Oxford in England are derailed because of the war. Her scholarship is removed, and she is forced to take a position as secretary at a POW camp close to her hometown of Lake Ironside. The story is written with humor, funny little quirks, very realistic characters, and gives a look at a place and time during the war that is not often talked about.
Seeing the story only as told through these letters…well, it does leave a few gaps here and there, and very much causes you to read ‘things we didn’t say’. I really enjoyed seeing the story play out in this way, though, and especially liked the challenge of reading between the lines.
In the beginning, it is revealed that Jo is being suspected of treason, and the person for all the correspondence is to reveal her innocence. I had my initial thoughts about why this was happening at all.
The author takes her time to slowly present the case, allowing the reader to get a full and complete glimpse of who Jo really is.
I love WWII stories, but this one really stands out to me because it is different from most others I’ve read, I don’t think I ever even thought about POW camps here in our own country back in those days!
Exceptionally well written, thought provoking, and left me reading the ending with some sadness. I’d really love to read it’s sequel!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
All-of-a-kind Mom 
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