Forgotten Letters

by Kirk Raeber, Mario Acevedo

A trove of forgotten letters reveals a love that defied a world war. 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.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published June 13, 2016

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with the first visit to the house of their deceased parents. The find of old letters in the attic starts the riveting story of Robert Campbell.
With "Forgotten Letters", Kirk Raeber and Mario Acevedo have created a remarkable, well-elaborated story with interesting characters. It was easy to get into the story, I was drawn in - often too close for comfort. Robert is very complex, likeable; the other characters are of sufficient depth - according to their relevance. Kirk Raeber and Mario Acevedo created a remarkable story that offers food for thought on war, its reasons, its process. The story proceeds at a steady pace, carefully portraying the main persons and their feelings; it comprises a lot of interesting turns and has a great flow. "Forgotten Letters" is intense, thought-provoking, and unforgettable; I shed a major share of tears.
This is a book for you if you like stories with a meaning, carefully elaborated plots with memorable characters, historical fiction, as well as food for thought.
Highly recommended!
P.S::  I admit that I hesitated when offered to read this book. I am glad that I read it, do not regret it in the least.

[Don Westenhaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Letters is set mainly in Japan, stretching from 1924 to 1954. Many historical novels take place during the Second World War, but this story illuminates the war from Japan’s point of view. Robert is only eight years old when he meets Makiko in Yokohama. His parents are missionaries who have come to lead a Christian church there, aided by Makiko’s parents. Seven years later, the Japanese government forces Robert and his family to leave Japan. It is a heart-breaking separation, for Japan has become like home. Robert and Makiko, both still children, promise to continue their platonic friendship through letters.

As the years pass, the letters become more heart-felt, and Robert vows to reunite with Makiko somehow. Like the famous best-seller Unbroken, this novel includes a masterful account of a US pilot shot down and forced to endure the brutality of a Japanese prison camp.

The author has done a remarkable job researching Japanese culture and everyday life, as well as the authoritarian political climate leading Japan into a war that ultimately devastates the country. Like the best of historical fiction, the story inserts the reader into the setting in a very real way. The result is not only entertaining but informative. I have visited Japan several times and this story really resonated with me. Forgotten Letters is so well-written that it pulls the reader along, page after page. The main characters are defined clearly, making them unforgettable. I highly recommend this novel to any fan of historical fiction or romance – it is a superb example of both genres.

[Becki Basley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I found it pretty impressive for Raeber and Acevedo to not only make a concept like this work (WWII [and before] love story between an American man and a Japanese woman), but was more impressed that it never fell into cliche territory. Everything unfolded in a believable, convincing way and, as with all of Acevedo's novels that I've read, attention to detail and accuracy of the time period was paramount. Some of the POW scenes and depictions of post-bombing Hiroshima were tough to read, but also necessary. Great love story without too much sugar. Well paced and original.

[Maryann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this book has gotten many good reviews, and I do understand why readers liked it. For me, I just rolled my eyes.
So, Robert spends 6 years in Japan as a pastor's son. He grows very close to one family, particularly their daughter, Maiko. The family is forced to leave Japan around 1930.
Fast forward to WW II ----
Robert is flying a Privateer over Japan when the plane crashes, and, you guessed it, he's rescued by the family he knew years before, including his sweetheart, Maiko. EYE ROLL!!
Maybe fairy tail love stories just aren't my type of book.

[Patricia Bossano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most satisfying read!
As brain candy goes, this historical fiction by Kirk Raeber is delish!
Thoroughly enjoyed Robert’s character development from a selfless boy to a heroic young man. He loves his parents, he is a loyal friend, and his beautiful heart beats steadily for his childhood sweetheart, Makiko. That love is the driving force behind his choices; it leads and supports him through the adversities he must overcome before well-deserved happiness is finally his.

[Valerie T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book, definitely a must read

[Marsha Raeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Forgotten Letters by Kirk Raeber twice and each time, it penetrates the soul. What a great story, history and lessons in life. This book could be made into a movie and should be. Also, the book should be in up for nomination for best reads... thanks Marsha