Forgotten Letters starts in 1923 Japan after the Great Kanto earthquake. The story goes back and forth from Japan to the USA ending in 1980.
In 1924, eight-year old Robert Campbell accompanies his
missionary parents to Japan where he befriends a young
Makiko Asakawa. Robert enjoys his life there, but the dark
tides of war are rising, and it won’t be long before foreigners
are forced to leave Japan.
Torn from the people Robert has come to think of as family,
he stays in contact by exchanging letters with Makiko, letters
that soon show their relationship is blossoming into something
much more than friendship.
The outbreak of total war sweeps all before it, and when
correspondence ends with no explanation, Robert fears the
worst. He will do anything to find Makiko, even launch
himself headfirst into a conflict that is consuming the world.
Turmoil and tragedy threaten his every step, but no risk is too
great to prove that love conquers all.
https://youtu.be/z36V5Lqdjhk
Excerpt
In 1924, eight-year old Robert Campbell accompanies his
missionary parents to Japan where he befriends a young
Makiko Asakawa. Robert enjoys his life there, but the dark
tides of war are rising, and it won’t be long before foreigners
are forced to leave Japan.
Torn from the people Robert has come to think of as family,
he stays in contact by exchanging letters with Makiko, letters
that soon show their relationship is blossoming into something
much more than friendship.
The outbreak of total war sweeps all before it, and when
correspondence ends with no explanation, Robert fears the
worst. He will do anything to find Makiko, even launch
himself headfirst into a conflict that is consuming the world.
Turmoil and tragedy threaten his every step, but no risk is too
great to prove that love conquers all.
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Reviews for "Forgotten Letters"
Reviewed by E Harris
10/14/2018
It was after the death of their parents that two siblings find letters their parents had sent each other over a period of years. Reading them gives them insight as to what these extraordinary people endured during WWII and about a love that survived the test of time. As it turns out, there was a reason this remarkable couple didn't share their past with their children.
The narrative is so well presented that readers find themselves immersed in the story. The well developed characters become very real. Written with impeccable detail, this book is engrossing, thought provoking and memorable. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Author's Den. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Reviewed by Honey Estey
2/12/2018
Who wouldn’t enjoy discovering the details of their parent’s heartwarming odyssey? Ichiro & Fumiko learn this story through letters found in the attic of their parent’s home after their deaths. Their parents, Robert & Makiko, wanted them to live in the present and not be burdened by their parent’s troubled past.
Raeber sets a good pace and his characters are well-formed. It concluded with a twist inspired from the lessons learned while reading the letters. A delightful read.
This book tells the story of two friends who are separated by the Great War,. It is about enduring love, acceptance, loss and the courage to endure. This book is mainly told from the viewpoint of one character but I quickly found myself entranced and caring for all the characters in the book. I was so entranced that I started this book about ten last night and aside from sleeping for three hours and going off to an apointfnt, I simply could not put this book down.
I admire the skill used to describe two sides of a conflict through the eyes of individuals who endured it. I admire the telling of the good and bad of both cultures. There is really an almost equality in each culture's goodness and evil. The intergenerational aspect of the story is touching and very relatable.
My only minor critique is I wish there had been more expanse in the description of the way the people in Japan lived during and especially right before the Great War. I have read many stories about this period so it was enough for me to picture the circumstances. However someone just being introduced to this time in history may have a hard time appreciating the actions of some of the characters. However, even in this I see a "positive" because it will hopefully lead to more investigation and understanding of Japan at this this time.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for the "historically curious" and those seeking s book about enduring love.
Reviewed by Lisa Dorsey
10/3/2017
I love the concept of children finding their parents' story through old letters. I enjoyed following Robert and Makiko's story. The book really kept my interest and I love the Japanese details that the author included. The inclusion of bible verses fit well with the story and tied in well considering that Robert was the son of a preacher and missionary. The main reason I could only give it 3 stars though was because of two sexual descriptions that were completely unnecessary. There was no need to explicitly describe the dancer at the strip clubs actions, she was such a minor character and it felt as if the author just threw it in for shock value.
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