Share of Honor

by Ralph Graves

Every single day, every single life is at stake.

May 1942. The Japanese overrun American and Filipino forces. Thus begins one of the most dramatic and terrifying stories of war -- a story of heroism and courage, love and betrayal. These were the horror years of occupation: escapees living as guerrillas in the mountains, the fragile spy ring run by civilians, the grueling Bataan Death March, the waiting and hoping for MacArthur to return. Here we enter the lives of a group of friends, lovers and enemies who band together in a fight for survival. Vividly authentic and compelling, Share of Honor is unforgettable.

721 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Ralph Augustus Graves was an American reporter, editor, and writer. He authored several novels and edited and contributed to famous periodicals such as Life magazine.Graves was employed as a writer and reporter at Life magazine from 1948 to 1958. He steadily rose through the ranks at Life magazine, serving as the articles editor, the assistant managing editor, and the managing editor before leaving the publication in 1972. Graves moved to Time, Inc. where he served as the senior staff editor and editorial director, among other positions.

Reviews

[Chrisl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graves takes readers to WWII Manila/Philippine ... "remembers the American raj"
His characters well developed and the setting memorably displayed. Recommend this and also author's Roman HF book.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
***
The poached and pasted "KIRKUS REVIEW

Rich historical detail and the very best sort of emotional engagement--in a fine treatment of the fate of the Americans, both military and civilian, trapped in the Philippines during WW II. Several generations have grown up since the last days of the Philippines as part of an American empire, and the once strong emotional ties to that most confusing country, weakened by time, seem to have been snapped by President and Mrs. Marcos. But author Graves (August People, 1985, etc.) grew up in Manila, remembers the American raj, knew the Americans, knows and admires the Filipinos, loves the islands, and understands that the story of the Japanese occupation is a great one. He has done that tale justice, hanging it on story lines about Amos Watson, a wealthy American businessman whose prediction of Japanese victory makes him a pariah; Carmen ""Papaya"" Despensayang, Watson's clever and entertaining mistress; Jack Humphrey, an American officer captured and imprisoned by the Japanese; Judy Ferguson, a rather spoiled American beauty; Brad Stone, a teacher-turned-soldier who slips out of Japanese hands to become a guerrilla; and various supporting Americans and Filipinos, each vivid, none stereotyped. Watson, interned after the Japanese invasion, runs a spy ring from his civilian concentration camp. Humphrey survives the death march and hangs on to provide leadership in the military prison. The Filipinos, seething under the Japanese, subvert and sabotage and plan for an independent future. Exhaustive research and firsthand knowledge provide a superb foundation for a fascinating story that is fresh and free of clichÉ.
Have read this several times. Recommend it for folks who liked Shute's Alice and Clavell's Rat.
A Town Like Alice
King Rat

[Mary JL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a conquered nation? This exciting, well-written historical novel can answer some of your questions.

In the spring of 1942, Japan has overrun most of the Philippines (a few remote areas are still held by guerilla fighters). Armed patrols in the streets can stop anyone anytime and ask for id and/or arrest them. Radio and newspapers are under Japanese control and censorship.
American and British civilians are interned. Tourism has ended and business trickles to nearly a standstill as all struggle to survive. And things become worse as the war continues......

Although this is a work of fiction, the author did extensive research---many of the events in this book are based on real events.

I liked two characters. There were very few young American women in Manila at the time, so Judy Ferguson had her pick of young soldiers and her local boyfriends and paid little attention to politics and war. Then, she is interned and spends her first night sleeping on the floor with a group of other refugee women--and realizes the next few years she will be struggling to survive.....

My second favorite character is a young Filipina nightclub singer, whose stage name is "Papaya". When the Japanese re-open a few nightclubs for their own use, Papaya starts singing again and becomes friendly with some officers. She is scorned as a traitor; her family will not speak to her--and she cannot reveal than any careless remark or info dropped by the officers is reported to the Resistance.

What I had not though of before is that Papaya---and other dedicated agents like her in any war---are in danger from BOTH sides. Certainly facing death if the Japanese uncover her deception, she also risks someone on her own side killing her to make an example of a "traitor".

With very good characterization and a well-crafted plot, this is anexcellent historical novel for any interested in World War II; the Philippines; the 1940's or any combination of these three. Highly recommended.

[Gerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it a lot.

[Shane Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

9-7-13