20 Mar / This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II by Andrew Fukuda [in School Library Journal]
In 1935, two unlikely tweens are connected across the Atlantic as assigned – albeit initially unwilling – pen pals. Made to write a full page to Charlie after dismissing her because she’s a girl, Alex soon succumbs to her epistolary charms; their letters continue for years.
As World War II arrives, landing Washington-born Japanese American Alex in Manzanar and forcing Jewish Parisian-born Charlie to run for her life, their communications become more desperate. When Alex realizes that military enlistment could reunite his family and provide the slimmest opportunity to find Charlie, he heads to the front to serve the country that stripped him of his civil rights.
From petulant child to war hero, Greg Chun embodies Alex with impressive precision; he’s equally convincing as Alex’s angry older brother, their desperate mother, and members of his 442nd battalion. Emily Ellet, unfortunately, is the weaker link, the ebullient Charlie dampened by a hyperbolic French accent beset with Valley Girl twang.
Available only in the print version, Andrew Fukuda’s illuminating author’s note, which underscores critical history, is sorely missed here.
Verdict: Despite missteps, with Chun adroitly controlling the bulk of the narration, this aural adaptation is a welcome option for all curious listeners.
Review: “Media,” School Library Journal, March 1, 2020
Readers: Adult
Published: 2020