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Things We Didn't Say
Headstrong Johanna Berglund, a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind there. But the US Army wants her to work as a translator at a nearby camp for German POWs.
Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.
As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust.
Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.
As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2020
225 people are currently reading
5689 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lynn Green
6 books563 followersAmy Lynn Green has always loved history and reading, and she enjoys speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country, in person and virtually. Her debut novel, Things We Didn't Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award, won two Carol Awards, and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her family make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can sign up for her newsletter on her website, amygreenbooks.com, for quarterly giveaways, writing updates, and lots of bookish fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 588 reviews
February 21, 2021
Things We Didn't Say by Amy Lynn Green
Outspoken, goes her own way, headstrong, Johanna Berglund, is a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, in I944, when she is asked to come back to her hometown to act as a translator at a camp for German POWs. When Johanna declines the offer several times, her scholarship is revoked, forcing her to go home and take the job. Johanna had left her home, with plans to rarely return, due to sad memories and a falling out with her best friends, several years earlier. Now Johanna is a pharah in her hometown, since most citizens are angry to have German POWs there, despite the fact that the POWs are going to help them to plant, raise, and harvest their crops.
It doesn't help things when it becomes known that Johanna corresponds regularly with Japanese American, Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers. Johanna's attempt to make life better for the German POWs and her friendship with Peter convinces the most critical townsfolk to turn on Johanna and believe the worst of her. And Johanna often makes things worse with her abrasive but honest letters to the editor of the newspaper and other residents of the town.
The entire story is told through letters, notes, and documents and we know from the beginning that Johanna has been accused of treason. I enjoyed how the story was told and especially enjoyed the letters between Johanna and Peter. Peter, whose family is in an American concentration camp because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They have done nothing wrong except to be Japanese, yet Peter has such a forgiving, compassionate, and positive outlook on life and he is the best thing that could ever happen to Johanna. She cherishes his friendship, knows he is her best friend, but it isn't until something happens to Peter that she realizes just how much she has always held back her most real, deepest feelings, thinking she would lose something of herself if she gave any more of herself to anyone.
This is such a touching story and the tension builds as we read the letters, notes, and documents. Johanna is both naive and cynical, not realizing how she is being used, not suspecting what is going on right in front of her. The story shows us the heartache of those who have lost family to the war, have loved ones as POWs, and live separated from their homes and their families, with no end in sight.
Published November 3rd 2020
Thank you to Bethany House/Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.
Outspoken, goes her own way, headstrong, Johanna Berglund, is a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, in I944, when she is asked to come back to her hometown to act as a translator at a camp for German POWs. When Johanna declines the offer several times, her scholarship is revoked, forcing her to go home and take the job. Johanna had left her home, with plans to rarely return, due to sad memories and a falling out with her best friends, several years earlier. Now Johanna is a pharah in her hometown, since most citizens are angry to have German POWs there, despite the fact that the POWs are going to help them to plant, raise, and harvest their crops.
It doesn't help things when it becomes known that Johanna corresponds regularly with Japanese American, Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers. Johanna's attempt to make life better for the German POWs and her friendship with Peter convinces the most critical townsfolk to turn on Johanna and believe the worst of her. And Johanna often makes things worse with her abrasive but honest letters to the editor of the newspaper and other residents of the town.
The entire story is told through letters, notes, and documents and we know from the beginning that Johanna has been accused of treason. I enjoyed how the story was told and especially enjoyed the letters between Johanna and Peter. Peter, whose family is in an American concentration camp because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They have done nothing wrong except to be Japanese, yet Peter has such a forgiving, compassionate, and positive outlook on life and he is the best thing that could ever happen to Johanna. She cherishes his friendship, knows he is her best friend, but it isn't until something happens to Peter that she realizes just how much she has always held back her most real, deepest feelings, thinking she would lose something of herself if she gave any more of herself to anyone.
This is such a touching story and the tension builds as we read the letters, notes, and documents. Johanna is both naive and cynical, not realizing how she is being used, not suspecting what is going on right in front of her. The story shows us the heartache of those who have lost family to the war, have loved ones as POWs, and live separated from their homes and their families, with no end in sight.
Published November 3rd 2020
Thank you to Bethany House/Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 8, 2020
This girl's got gumption!
Who would have thought that a WWII Christian historical fiction novel would make me laugh in more than a few places, but the heroine of Things We Didn't Say kept me smiling and you-go-girl cheering due to her "headstrong" nature throughout all 416 pages.
Comparisons to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are apt, given the structure of storytelling solely through letters, newspaper articles, and speech transcripts. Readers learn early on that these communications have been collected as evidence for the treason case against Johanna, the main character, who has been working as a translator at a German POW work camp in Minnesota.
What I love about this book is that it highlighted a piece of Midwestern history that I knew nothing about (the POW camps in the US) ... and I live in Iowa. While I've passed on WWII fiction lately due to burnout, this perspective was different enough to catch my interest. And it held my interest, not in small part because the story didn't go in the direction I expected. Kudos to the author for her fresh take on what can be a tired subject.
Things We Didn’t Say is now available in print and on audio. My thanks to NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and Amy Lynn Green for the advanced ebook copy to review.
Who would have thought that a WWII Christian historical fiction novel would make me laugh in more than a few places, but the heroine of Things We Didn't Say kept me smiling and you-go-girl cheering due to her "headstrong" nature throughout all 416 pages.
Comparisons to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are apt, given the structure of storytelling solely through letters, newspaper articles, and speech transcripts. Readers learn early on that these communications have been collected as evidence for the treason case against Johanna, the main character, who has been working as a translator at a German POW work camp in Minnesota.
What I love about this book is that it highlighted a piece of Midwestern history that I knew nothing about (the POW camps in the US) ... and I live in Iowa. While I've passed on WWII fiction lately due to burnout, this perspective was different enough to catch my interest. And it held my interest, not in small part because the story didn't go in the direction I expected. Kudos to the author for her fresh take on what can be a tired subject.
Things We Didn’t Say is now available in print and on audio. My thanks to NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers and Amy Lynn Green for the advanced ebook copy to review.
November 8, 2020
3.75 German POW stars
This debut novel is written in the epistolary style, which means the whole thing is letters, notes, etc. I’ve read a few books in this style and they usually make for an interesting tale! I would characterize this one as a religious historical fiction book. I was fascinated to read that there were some POW camps in the Midwest that housed German POWs. The Germans went to work on the harvest as many of the local farming men were off fighting in WWII.
The book centers around a fascinating character, Johanna, a young woman who had been studying languages at University of Minnesota. She moves back to her small hometown to serve as the POW camp’s translator as one of the languages she knows well is German. Johanna is very bright and not afraid to speak her mind! Soon she’s trying to make the townspeople be more hospitable to the German POWs. As you might imagine, there’s a lot of fear and distrust toward the prisoners and reluctance to have them in the area.
There are also lots of letters between Johanna and Peter, a college friend who happens to be a Japanese nisei (a person born in the US or Canada whose parents were immigrants from Japan). His Japanese language skills are highly valued and he’s teaching Japanese to soldiers that will soon be headed to the Pacific theater.
From the beginning of the book, we know that there is a trial for treason happening and it takes nearly the whole book to tell the full story. The second half of book got really dramatic and I was worried about what would happen to Johanna.
Johanna really grows as a character and I enjoyed this exposure to a part of WWII history that I didn’t really know about at all. There are quite a few religious elements in the story, but it didn’t feel like too much to this reader.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy of this one to read. Now available!
This debut novel is written in the epistolary style, which means the whole thing is letters, notes, etc. I’ve read a few books in this style and they usually make for an interesting tale! I would characterize this one as a religious historical fiction book. I was fascinated to read that there were some POW camps in the Midwest that housed German POWs. The Germans went to work on the harvest as many of the local farming men were off fighting in WWII.
The book centers around a fascinating character, Johanna, a young woman who had been studying languages at University of Minnesota. She moves back to her small hometown to serve as the POW camp’s translator as one of the languages she knows well is German. Johanna is very bright and not afraid to speak her mind! Soon she’s trying to make the townspeople be more hospitable to the German POWs. As you might imagine, there’s a lot of fear and distrust toward the prisoners and reluctance to have them in the area.
There are also lots of letters between Johanna and Peter, a college friend who happens to be a Japanese nisei (a person born in the US or Canada whose parents were immigrants from Japan). His Japanese language skills are highly valued and he’s teaching Japanese to soldiers that will soon be headed to the Pacific theater.
From the beginning of the book, we know that there is a trial for treason happening and it takes nearly the whole book to tell the full story. The second half of book got really dramatic and I was worried about what would happen to Johanna.
Johanna really grows as a character and I enjoyed this exposure to a part of WWII history that I didn’t really know about at all. There are quite a few religious elements in the story, but it didn’t feel like too much to this reader.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy of this one to read. Now available!
November 4, 2020
An outstanding debut novel, told entirely through letters and newspaper articles! Much will be said about the unique format of Things We Didn’t Say, but what truly shines in this novel are the characters. Outspoken and delightfully antisocial, Johanna sparkles with wit, but she also comes to see the heart and depth of the people around her—and the flaws within her own soul. With impeccable research, Amy Lynn Green casts a light on the POW camps in America during World War II and on the dangers of prejudice. Make space on your bookshelf, because this book is a keeper!
March 21, 2022
Johanna Berglund is a linguistic student at The University of Minnesota, she returns to her hometown and moves back in with her parents and starts working as a translator at the new German POW camp at Ironside Lake.
The story is told by using letters and the epistolary writing style isn’t difficult to follow. Major J. E. Davies is in charge of the camp, he knows Johanna isn’t there by choice and her university scholarship was cancelled. The locals are not happy about a camp being built at Ironside Lake, it has twenty guards and they don’t approve of anyone from their community working there. The prisoners are considered low risk, most were captured in North Africa and are needed to help farmers harvest their crops.
Johanna’s job is to censor the prisoner’s letters home and ones they receive and Major Davies also wants her to teach English classes. Here she meets Captain Stefan Werner, she starts to see the prisoners as men (human beings) and not in a romantic way.
Johanna’s been writing to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor for the military officers at Camp Savage and he’s of Japanese descent. Johanna is rather stubborn, she doesn’t care what people think about her and this makes her a target for gossip. When Johanna’s suspected of committing treason, her parents believe their intelligent and very naive daughter is innocent.
The story highlights the heartache of the American families who lost sons in the war and what they did to support the war effort. The POW’s missed their families, they were concerned about what was happening to them in Germany and I did feel sympathetic towards both sides.
I received a copy of Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Perfect for those who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I look forward to reading the author’s new book The Lines Between Us and four stars from me.
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The story is told by using letters and the epistolary writing style isn’t difficult to follow. Major J. E. Davies is in charge of the camp, he knows Johanna isn’t there by choice and her university scholarship was cancelled. The locals are not happy about a camp being built at Ironside Lake, it has twenty guards and they don’t approve of anyone from their community working there. The prisoners are considered low risk, most were captured in North Africa and are needed to help farmers harvest their crops.
Johanna’s job is to censor the prisoner’s letters home and ones they receive and Major Davies also wants her to teach English classes. Here she meets Captain Stefan Werner, she starts to see the prisoners as men (human beings) and not in a romantic way.
Johanna’s been writing to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor for the military officers at Camp Savage and he’s of Japanese descent. Johanna is rather stubborn, she doesn’t care what people think about her and this makes her a target for gossip. When Johanna’s suspected of committing treason, her parents believe their intelligent and very naive daughter is innocent.
The story highlights the heartache of the American families who lost sons in the war and what they did to support the war effort. The POW’s missed their families, they were concerned about what was happening to them in Germany and I did feel sympathetic towards both sides.
I received a copy of Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Perfect for those who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I look forward to reading the author’s new book The Lines Between Us and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
April 17, 2020
Not everyone can pull off an epistolary novel. Amy Lynn Green is one of those who can, and with flying colors. Things We Didn't Say is on par with The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Johanna Berglund is one of the most vibrant heroines I've ever read, so smart, witty and surprising that I was laughing out loud in places--something I normally don't do during World War 2 novels!
Each character's voice is distinct and believable, each one carrying far more than the words they penned (hence the novel's title). If you're a fan of Susie Finkbeiner for voice and characterization, you'll love this novel, too. If you enjoyed Guernsey, this is for you. If you are charmed by Louisa May Alcott's Jo March, or by L.M. Montgomery's Valancy in The Blue Castle, you'll fall in love with Johanna Berglund. If you're into World War 2 tales, don't miss this homefront story!
MY official endorsement follows:
“Things We Didn’t Stay is a stand-out novel as brilliant and brave as its heroine. I was moved to both laughter and tears while tagging along with Johanna Berglund for her emotional and spiritual journey. When I wasn’t pausing to savor a particularly profound passage, I was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what Jo and Peter would say next. An utterly satisfying read you’ll want to share as soon as you reach its conclusion.”
Johanna Berglund is one of the most vibrant heroines I've ever read, so smart, witty and surprising that I was laughing out loud in places--something I normally don't do during World War 2 novels!
Each character's voice is distinct and believable, each one carrying far more than the words they penned (hence the novel's title). If you're a fan of Susie Finkbeiner for voice and characterization, you'll love this novel, too. If you enjoyed Guernsey, this is for you. If you are charmed by Louisa May Alcott's Jo March, or by L.M. Montgomery's Valancy in The Blue Castle, you'll fall in love with Johanna Berglund. If you're into World War 2 tales, don't miss this homefront story!
MY official endorsement follows:
“Things We Didn’t Stay is a stand-out novel as brilliant and brave as its heroine. I was moved to both laughter and tears while tagging along with Johanna Berglund for her emotional and spiritual journey. When I wasn’t pausing to savor a particularly profound passage, I was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what Jo and Peter would say next. An utterly satisfying read you’ll want to share as soon as you reach its conclusion.”
October 19, 2020
I've waited and waited and waited to review Amy Lynn Green's debut novel, hoping that if I waited long enough I'd find the right words to do it justice. Well, this is me now surrendering, realizing that no amount of reader/reviewer fancy wordiness will ever truly sum up how I feel about Things We Didn't Say. So I'll do my best.
Bottom line: I loved it. I was awed by it. As a reader, I was so swept away I couldn't concentrate on my normal daily to-dos. As an author, I couldn't stop thinking about how masterfully Green pulled it off. It's my favorite read of 2020 (and beyond) and I think it should be a must-read for everyone.
Things We Didn't Say is written in epistolary form and while I know that could cause some readers to pause, I can promise you that it doesn't impede the story. It makes it all the more impressive! You get to know the characters so wonderfully well. And speaking of the characters, I adore Johanna. She's blunt, not entirely socially savvy, and so relatable. She has a fantastic wit and dry sense of humor. It's amazing to me that a book dealing with such serious events during such a turbulent time could also be so funny!
And as to those events, you can read the synopsis to get the details, but I was blown away by how relevant it is to today. I can't tell you the number of times as I read the book that I found myself highlighting lines that felt so significant and so poignant to where we are today...especially in the U.S. What happens in the small Minnesota town in Things We Didn't Say is so indicative of what's happening in our nation...and on a personal note, as someone who has found herself more and more jaded, frustrated and discouraged by both government and faith leaders, I needed this wake-up call and reminder that hope, kindness and compassion begin in our own hearts and in our own corners. I needed this story and I'm grateful for it!
And as far as the storyline, it was captivating! The closer I got to the end, the more I could NOT stop reading. (Also, I know I'm in gushing territory here, but seriously, I was so impressed by the plotting! There are so many moments where little details mentioned early in the story suddenly popped out to me later on and I was just awed!)
Oh, and of course, I can't help mentioning the romance! It's subtle but touching and oh my goodness, I FELT it!
This book is, simply put, brilliant. It's an amazing debut by an author who I've no doubt has even more brilliance in store for us. Can't possibly recommend it enough!
Bottom line: I loved it. I was awed by it. As a reader, I was so swept away I couldn't concentrate on my normal daily to-dos. As an author, I couldn't stop thinking about how masterfully Green pulled it off. It's my favorite read of 2020 (and beyond) and I think it should be a must-read for everyone.
Things We Didn't Say is written in epistolary form and while I know that could cause some readers to pause, I can promise you that it doesn't impede the story. It makes it all the more impressive! You get to know the characters so wonderfully well. And speaking of the characters, I adore Johanna. She's blunt, not entirely socially savvy, and so relatable. She has a fantastic wit and dry sense of humor. It's amazing to me that a book dealing with such serious events during such a turbulent time could also be so funny!
And as to those events, you can read the synopsis to get the details, but I was blown away by how relevant it is to today. I can't tell you the number of times as I read the book that I found myself highlighting lines that felt so significant and so poignant to where we are today...especially in the U.S. What happens in the small Minnesota town in Things We Didn't Say is so indicative of what's happening in our nation...and on a personal note, as someone who has found herself more and more jaded, frustrated and discouraged by both government and faith leaders, I needed this wake-up call and reminder that hope, kindness and compassion begin in our own hearts and in our own corners. I needed this story and I'm grateful for it!
And as far as the storyline, it was captivating! The closer I got to the end, the more I could NOT stop reading. (Also, I know I'm in gushing territory here, but seriously, I was so impressed by the plotting! There are so many moments where little details mentioned early in the story suddenly popped out to me later on and I was just awed!)
Oh, and of course, I can't help mentioning the romance! It's subtle but touching and oh my goodness, I FELT it!
This book is, simply put, brilliant. It's an amazing debut by an author who I've no doubt has even more brilliance in store for us. Can't possibly recommend it enough!
October 29, 2023
It was an enjoyable read and a definite eye opener no doubt. I love the new insights into a lesser known area of history back home/in North America of life during WW2.... I will read more by this author as I generally only give "one chance" in a sense these years with so many appealing books to check out. If I don't like it as such, I probably would be reluctant to bother with another by him or her.
Read
April 27, 2020From Endorsement:
A fascinating excavation of a little known moment in US history executed with an inimitable voice and extremely clever style. Excessively readable, this winsome epistolary is underscored by a deep look at patriotism, prejudice, unwavering faith, duty and love. I guarantee you will not have a similar reading experience this year. Green's compassionate exploration of the many facets of forgiveness and humanity intersect a Japanese military intelligence instructor, deeply realized German POWs and an intelligent woman who must learn the depth of loss beyond the words she so easily finds solace behind. A dazzlingly smart and confident debut, Things We Didn't Say is as moving as it is memorable.
A fascinating excavation of a little known moment in US history executed with an inimitable voice and extremely clever style. Excessively readable, this winsome epistolary is underscored by a deep look at patriotism, prejudice, unwavering faith, duty and love. I guarantee you will not have a similar reading experience this year. Green's compassionate exploration of the many facets of forgiveness and humanity intersect a Japanese military intelligence instructor, deeply realized German POWs and an intelligent woman who must learn the depth of loss beyond the words she so easily finds solace behind. A dazzlingly smart and confident debut, Things We Didn't Say is as moving as it is memorable.
did-not-finish
January 10, 2021This book was simply not for me! And that's okay. Some books aren't. This was a review copy that I didn't exactly know all the details about - now that I do (it's entirely epistolary, the main character has a very different background than I do as far as her faith goes, and I just don't find her amusing - she's sort of annoying to me!), I've decided that it's just not for me.
However, this book seems like it deals with some great political stances (approaching things from many different angles), it appears to have a bit of a mystery/thriller aspect, and there's just a lot going on. I think for people who love in-depth historical but are wanting something a bit different from the normal, well, this might be the book for you!
As for me, however, this book simply isn't right for me. :)
However, this book seems like it deals with some great political stances (approaching things from many different angles), it appears to have a bit of a mystery/thriller aspect, and there's just a lot going on. I think for people who love in-depth historical but are wanting something a bit different from the normal, well, this might be the book for you!
As for me, however, this book simply isn't right for me. :)
April 27, 2022
3.5 stars.
About this book:
“Headstrong Johanna Berglund, a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind there. But the US Army wants her to work as a translator at a nearby camp for German POWs.
Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.
As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust.”
Series: The author will have another book set in the same time period, but it is not about these characters.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, quoted, & mentioned; Talks about God & praying; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Jo isn’t sure that God listens to her anymore & continues wondering and trying to pray throughout the story; Many mentions of pastors/priests, churches/chapels, services, sermons, & hymns; Many mentions of different religions (Protestant Christian, Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Buddhism, and Native American gods); Mentions of Scriptures & faiths; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of Good Friday, Easter, & Thanksgiving; Mentions of missionaries; Mentions of Bibles and those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of godsends & blessings;
*Note: Many mentions of Greek myths & gods/goddesses; Mentions of Martin Luther and his hatred for Jews; Mentions of the devil (making a deal & selling your soul); Mention of damnation, hell, & a hellhole; A few mentions of being (or not being) a Marxist; A couple mentions of godforsaken places; A mention of a Shinto shrine.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’, a ‘what the devil’, two ‘damning’s, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘heck’s, three ‘blasted’s, and five ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses & racial slurs (said, not written); A bit of sarcasm; All about the war (World War II), deaths, prisoner-of-wars, missing-in-actions soldiers, propaganda, prejudices, spies, Nazis, treason, internment camps (semi-detailed); Mentions of murders & murderers; Mentions of bombs; Mentions of fights, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of the Great War & the Great Depression; Mentions of a fire & arson; Mentions of jails/prisons; Mentions of drinking, alcohol, & drunks; Mentions of smoking, cigarettes/cigars, & tobacco; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of those willing to taking their lives; A few mentions of thieves & stealing; A few mentions of graffiti; A few mentions of slaughterhouses & animals are destined for glue; A couple mentions of Joan of the Arc being on fire & a costume depicting that; A couple mentions of executions; A couple mentions of being held hostage & at knifepoint; A couple mentions of gunfire; A couple mentions of riots; A couple mentions of blackmail; A mention of a president assassination attempt; A mention of a film showing the Ku Klux Klan rescuing “a town from a mob of murderous, newly freed slaves”; A mention of death threats; A mention of a lynch mob; A mention of train robbers; A mention of horse droppings;
*Note: Many mentions of singers, songs, actors/actresses, movies, authors, & books; A mention of Al Capone; A mention of a car brand.
Sexual Content- A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of affairs & adultery; A few mentions of flirting & winking; A few mentions of girls mooning over a guy & a guy “making eyes” at a girl; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of a “mattress that had seen considerable use”; A mention of men boasting about women; A mention of couple in dark corners at a dance; A mention of a man mentioning the gentler sex; A mention of a saloon girl; A mention of jealousy; Very, very light love, falling in love, & the emotions (since this book is completely in letters (not letters sent from a couple) it is all very light in the romance regard);
*Note: A couple mentions of shirtless men (one asks Jo if she likes what she sees); A mention of an actress wearing nothing but a towel and a wig in a movie; A mention of a bathing suit model.
-Johanna Berglund, age 22
Told in the format of Letters
Set in 1944-1945
416 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{{ Not for those sensitive to World War II. }}
I don’t know where to begin with this novel. I was expecting a book featuring many languages and a heroine you spoke another language. As someone who enjoys learning new languages and seeing that represented in fiction, I was very curious about this one.
I think I would have to read this book a couple more times to fully grasp my thoughts on this book. There were many parts that felt related to the last year. (Some readers are checking the date of this review at this moment, I’m sure.)
I didn’t know this was a book of a collection of letters—in all honesty, I think I might have been a bit hesitate over that had I known—but it was a unique format for this book and the plot. Because of this style, the physical side to a romance that is typically shown was not there (a positive) and there wasn’t much dialogue (a negative, in my eyes). There were a few parts were the story slowed and I do wish the faith content had been stronger, but for a book set in World War II, it was pretty clean.
Now, I’m off to go research different bunny trails about different things mentioned in the plot.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“Headstrong Johanna Berglund, a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind there. But the US Army wants her to work as a translator at a nearby camp for German POWs.
Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.
As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust.”
Series: The author will have another book set in the same time period, but it is not about these characters.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, quoted, & mentioned; Talks about God & praying; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Jo isn’t sure that God listens to her anymore & continues wondering and trying to pray throughout the story; Many mentions of pastors/priests, churches/chapels, services, sermons, & hymns; Many mentions of different religions (Protestant Christian, Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Buddhism, and Native American gods); Mentions of Scriptures & faiths; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of Good Friday, Easter, & Thanksgiving; Mentions of missionaries; Mentions of Bibles and those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of godsends & blessings;
*Note: Many mentions of Greek myths & gods/goddesses; Mentions of Martin Luther and his hatred for Jews; Mentions of the devil (making a deal & selling your soul); Mention of damnation, hell, & a hellhole; A few mentions of being (or not being) a Marxist; A couple mentions of godforsaken places; A mention of a Shinto shrine.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’, a ‘what the devil’, two ‘damning’s, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘heck’s, three ‘blasted’s, and five ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses & racial slurs (said, not written); A bit of sarcasm; All about the war (World War II), deaths, prisoner-of-wars, missing-in-actions soldiers, propaganda, prejudices, spies, Nazis, treason, internment camps (semi-detailed); Mentions of murders & murderers; Mentions of bombs; Mentions of fights, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of the Great War & the Great Depression; Mentions of a fire & arson; Mentions of jails/prisons; Mentions of drinking, alcohol, & drunks; Mentions of smoking, cigarettes/cigars, & tobacco; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of those willing to taking their lives; A few mentions of thieves & stealing; A few mentions of graffiti; A few mentions of slaughterhouses & animals are destined for glue; A couple mentions of Joan of the Arc being on fire & a costume depicting that; A couple mentions of executions; A couple mentions of being held hostage & at knifepoint; A couple mentions of gunfire; A couple mentions of riots; A couple mentions of blackmail; A mention of a president assassination attempt; A mention of a film showing the Ku Klux Klan rescuing “a town from a mob of murderous, newly freed slaves”; A mention of death threats; A mention of a lynch mob; A mention of train robbers; A mention of horse droppings;
*Note: Many mentions of singers, songs, actors/actresses, movies, authors, & books; A mention of Al Capone; A mention of a car brand.
Sexual Content- A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of affairs & adultery; A few mentions of flirting & winking; A few mentions of girls mooning over a guy & a guy “making eyes” at a girl; A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of a “mattress that had seen considerable use”; A mention of men boasting about women; A mention of couple in dark corners at a dance; A mention of a man mentioning the gentler sex; A mention of a saloon girl; A mention of jealousy; Very, very light love, falling in love, & the emotions (since this book is completely in letters (not letters sent from a couple) it is all very light in the romance regard);
*Note: A couple mentions of shirtless men (one asks Jo if she likes what she sees); A mention of an actress wearing nothing but a towel and a wig in a movie; A mention of a bathing suit model.
-Johanna Berglund, age 22
Told in the format of Letters
Set in 1944-1945
416 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{{ Not for those sensitive to World War II. }}
I don’t know where to begin with this novel. I was expecting a book featuring many languages and a heroine you spoke another language. As someone who enjoys learning new languages and seeing that represented in fiction, I was very curious about this one.
I think I would have to read this book a couple more times to fully grasp my thoughts on this book. There were many parts that felt related to the last year. (Some readers are checking the date of this review at this moment, I’m sure.)
I didn’t know this was a book of a collection of letters—in all honesty, I think I might have been a bit hesitate over that had I known—but it was a unique format for this book and the plot. Because of this style, the physical side to a romance that is typically shown was not there (a positive) and there wasn’t much dialogue (a negative, in my eyes). There were a few parts were the story slowed and I do wish the faith content had been stronger, but for a book set in World War II, it was pretty clean.
Now, I’m off to go research different bunny trails about different things mentioned in the plot.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
May 19, 2023
2023
Yes, I reread this book again. I wasn't feeling like reading at all and so I'm rereading one of my all time favorite books.
***
Age Appropriate For: 16 and up for innuendo and hard situations
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Well, this will be the third time I’ve started writing up a full review for this book. I’m hoping the third time is the charm against losing everything I’ve written. This book… It’s just amazing. There is a reason it was my favorite fiction book of 2021 (and I’ve already reread it).
The first thing that sets this book apart is it’s told entirely through letters, telegrams, notes, and newspaper articles. This style is called epistolary and I’ve always loved it. I have to say this is the best epistolary novel that I’ve ever read.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job. Her voice was perfect for the characters and she did a great job of pronouncing all the German and other languages. She brought the characters to life and really increased my enjoyment of the book.
Other than being epistolary, there are a couple of things that set this book apart from others. First, Green pulls in some little-known history. She sets this on the backdrop of a POW camp in the US and the woman who is hired as the camp translator. She also touches on how German and Japanese Americans were viewed and treated. I thought she did a brilliant job with all of these issues in presenting them well historically.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. Johanna Berglund was someone I felt I could relate to on a deep level. We weren’t exactly alike, but we had so many similarities. She struggles with being in a position and place she didn’t want to be. She doesn’t have the best attitude all the time. Yet, she was so strong, flawed, and relatable. You will either love her or be annoyed by her. What you think of her will determined a lot of your enjoyment of the book. She reminded me of Joe from Little Women.
The other characters held so much debt I loved so many of them Peter was my favorite besides Johanna. But all the characters in this series felt so vivid and real. It made me want to jump into the book and get to know each and every one of them.
One of the most impactful aspects of this book was how it addressed racial tensions. I loved how it showed someone who was willing to cross racial lines, yet delved into the consequences that might come from such actions during World War II. It wasn’t an overpowering message in the story, but I felt like I got so much out of it. It helped me understand better some of the challenges families who’ve adopted (or couples who have married) from different racial backgrounds, might face.
For those who are tired of all the kissy romantic books, this is right up your alley. The romance is very mild and not the point of the story AT ALL. There are a few times in the book that inappropriate relationships are insinuated, but all the main characters have done nothing wrong. There were a few harder topics and situations talked about, so younger readers should be aware.
I highly recommend this book to those who love epistolary novels, World War 2 fiction, and stories that are both uplifting and delve deep into their subjects.
Yes, I reread this book again. I wasn't feeling like reading at all and so I'm rereading one of my all time favorite books.
***
Age Appropriate For: 16 and up for innuendo and hard situations
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Well, this will be the third time I’ve started writing up a full review for this book. I’m hoping the third time is the charm against losing everything I’ve written. This book… It’s just amazing. There is a reason it was my favorite fiction book of 2021 (and I’ve already reread it).
The first thing that sets this book apart is it’s told entirely through letters, telegrams, notes, and newspaper articles. This style is called epistolary and I’ve always loved it. I have to say this is the best epistolary novel that I’ve ever read.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job. Her voice was perfect for the characters and she did a great job of pronouncing all the German and other languages. She brought the characters to life and really increased my enjoyment of the book.
Other than being epistolary, there are a couple of things that set this book apart from others. First, Green pulls in some little-known history. She sets this on the backdrop of a POW camp in the US and the woman who is hired as the camp translator. She also touches on how German and Japanese Americans were viewed and treated. I thought she did a brilliant job with all of these issues in presenting them well historically.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. Johanna Berglund was someone I felt I could relate to on a deep level. We weren’t exactly alike, but we had so many similarities. She struggles with being in a position and place she didn’t want to be. She doesn’t have the best attitude all the time. Yet, she was so strong, flawed, and relatable. You will either love her or be annoyed by her. What you think of her will determined a lot of your enjoyment of the book. She reminded me of Joe from Little Women.
The other characters held so much debt I loved so many of them Peter was my favorite besides Johanna. But all the characters in this series felt so vivid and real. It made me want to jump into the book and get to know each and every one of them.
One of the most impactful aspects of this book was how it addressed racial tensions. I loved how it showed someone who was willing to cross racial lines, yet delved into the consequences that might come from such actions during World War II. It wasn’t an overpowering message in the story, but I felt like I got so much out of it. It helped me understand better some of the challenges families who’ve adopted (or couples who have married) from different racial backgrounds, might face.
For those who are tired of all the kissy romantic books, this is right up your alley. The romance is very mild and not the point of the story AT ALL. There are a few times in the book that inappropriate relationships are insinuated, but all the main characters have done nothing wrong. There were a few harder topics and situations talked about, so younger readers should be aware.
I highly recommend this book to those who love epistolary novels, World War 2 fiction, and stories that are both uplifting and delve deep into their subjects.
February 4, 2021
It is 1944, and Johanna Berglund has been accused of treason. She submits in her defense a collection of letters that will prove her innocence. The letters begin with Johanna as a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota. Fluent in German and several other languages, she is recommended to work as a translator at an Army POW camp near her home. She flatly refuses because she has other plans and dreams of going to Oxford. Pressure from the government and her parents eventually forces her to go. She begins her work as a translator and starts to enjoy it, despite criticism from some of the local populace about “aiding the enemy.” She is given more responsibility and asked to teach an English class, and she starts to feel compassion for the prisoners. When a nefarious plot causes untrue accusations against Johanna, she learns to truly lean on God.
This is an epistolary novel, comprised completely of letters, articles, and other written communication. We watch Johanna’s character develop from a rather vain and secluded student to to a woman of faith, although it takes some hard times to get her there. We meet her friends, family, and community, and we watch her grow as a person. And we learn that there were, in fact, German POW camps in the United States during World War II. I was captivated by this book, which was so well written that the personalities of the characters shone, and their individual nuances were conveyed expertly through their letters. I don’t think many writers can share such an amazing story and well developed characters in epistolary style, so I was surprised that this is Amy Lynn Green’s debut novel. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley for Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary.
This is an epistolary novel, comprised completely of letters, articles, and other written communication. We watch Johanna’s character develop from a rather vain and secluded student to to a woman of faith, although it takes some hard times to get her there. We meet her friends, family, and community, and we watch her grow as a person. And we learn that there were, in fact, German POW camps in the United States during World War II. I was captivated by this book, which was so well written that the personalities of the characters shone, and their individual nuances were conveyed expertly through their letters. I don’t think many writers can share such an amazing story and well developed characters in epistolary style, so I was surprised that this is Amy Lynn Green’s debut novel. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley for Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary.
September 8, 2023
Things We Didn’t Say is a powerfully moving tale that challenges us to look past differences and biases to see the humanity that links us all.
We could sum up this review in one short sentence: I loved it. Like, a lot. But I feel that it doesn’t do the book justice, so while I’ve never been too great at writing reviews, I am going to try my best to put my thoughts into words. (Here goes nothing!)
This is my second book from Amy Lynn Green, and while, don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy The Blackout Book Club a lot, I believe this book really captures Green’s talent and the span of her abilities as an author. Her prose, characters, and message really shine in Things We Didn’t Say, so if you’ve ever read anything else by the author and haven’t tried this one yet, it is a must.
Things We Didn’t Say has a powerful message that, while this book might’ve been set eighty-some years ago, is still relevant today. No one in this story is truly in the clear about not judging a person’s character based on external factors such as appearances, past experiences with similar people, international conflicts, and so forth. There are the obvious judgments passed by the people of the small Minnesota town of Ironside Lake against the German POWs (prisoners-of-war) and the terrible baseless discrimination committed against Japanese Americans at this time both due to the ongoing war with Germany and Japan. But then there are also the ones you won’t think about like Johanna’s instantly negative thoughts toward her hometown because of childhood events and Peter’s at first unwillingness to reach out to one of his white students who had distanced himself from classmates of other races after feeling pushed aside by them. It makes one wonder how many times, whether intentionally like Ironside Lake or unintentionally in the cases of Johanna and Peter, we choose to play it safe by staying around the familiar. I feel the message of this book can easily be expressed by the words of for King and Country’s song Relate: “I don’t know what it’s like to be you; you don’t know what it’s like to be me. What if we’re all the same in different kinds of ways? … We both know what it’s like to be hurt; we both know what it’s like to feel pain. But I think it’s safe to say we’re on to better days. Can you relate?”
This is what I loved most about the book: its message and challenge to see that despite differences in race, religion, or personalities, we all have one common ground. We’re all just humans trying to make this thing called life work. It’s messy, it’s hard. We’ve all been hurt and have faced trials because life comes with pain. It doesn’t always make people right, such as in the case of the Nazis, but as Christians, we are called not only to love our enemies, but to bless and pray for those who persecute us and hate us, and trust God to take care of the rest as vengeance belongs to Him. Things We Didn’t Say brought up a challenging question that I think is important to ask ourselves in today’s world. One of the characters questioned if to truly show love, we must also show a little hate, such as toward the German POWs who represented the death, evil, and destruction Nazi Germany, Hitler, and WW2 brought. As a Christian, the answer is obvious to me (love the person, hate the sin, and all that), but I think in today’s world where people are quick to scream, shout, and point fingers at each other, it’s a question we should consider for ourselves.
On another note away from the message, I must say I loved these characters so much. Johanna’s bluntness in her letters—though they may have gotten her into trouble every now and then—was so much fun to read and brought a smile to my face to see her feistiness, especially toward the things she was most passionate about and the people she loved. She reminded me a lot of myself because once I get focused on something, I passionately pursue it as if my life depended on it. Peter was also such a dear, and I loved how their relationship developed and changed throughout the book. (And we can’t talk about the characters without bringing up Major Davies. He was without a doubt one of my favorite side characters, and not just because we share a mutual deep passion for exclamation marks! He was someone who chose to see the best in people and stay optimistic, and I admired those traits about him.)
I also love books told in epistolary format, but I was especially surprised how Green kept it in the form of letters without switching to novel format at any point during the story. It’s the first time I’ve read an epistolary novel that was able to tell an entire story without relying on the typical storytelling techniques of novel format, and I loved it! Not to mention, I love it when a book’s title fits so perfectly with the story, and Things We Didn’t Say did just that!!!
Finally, I love the historical side of the story. While I knew a little about POW camps, I haven’t read a story that focused on them before and learned so much. My favorite types of historical fiction are those that are rich in the setting, making one feel like you’ve actually stepped back in time, and those that are full of historical nuggets where you can learn something new while also reading an enjoyable book. Things We Didn’t Say accomplished both of these things, and I would love to see more books that touch on forgotten moments in history from the US home front. (Oh, and I loved the reference to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, which is one of my favorite movies!!! I had forgotten that it would’ve been released by Johanna and Peter’s time.)
“But even when all of that was gone … it was just God himself. He’s there, Peter, and I think you were right: He’s been listening in the silence all along.”
If you enjoyed this book, you might also like: Within These Lines. Dearest Josephine. The Blackout Book Club.
We could sum up this review in one short sentence: I loved it. Like, a lot. But I feel that it doesn’t do the book justice, so while I’ve never been too great at writing reviews, I am going to try my best to put my thoughts into words. (Here goes nothing!)
This is my second book from Amy Lynn Green, and while, don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy The Blackout Book Club a lot, I believe this book really captures Green’s talent and the span of her abilities as an author. Her prose, characters, and message really shine in Things We Didn’t Say, so if you’ve ever read anything else by the author and haven’t tried this one yet, it is a must.
Things We Didn’t Say has a powerful message that, while this book might’ve been set eighty-some years ago, is still relevant today. No one in this story is truly in the clear about not judging a person’s character based on external factors such as appearances, past experiences with similar people, international conflicts, and so forth. There are the obvious judgments passed by the people of the small Minnesota town of Ironside Lake against the German POWs (prisoners-of-war) and the terrible baseless discrimination committed against Japanese Americans at this time both due to the ongoing war with Germany and Japan. But then there are also the ones you won’t think about like Johanna’s instantly negative thoughts toward her hometown because of childhood events and Peter’s at first unwillingness to reach out to one of his white students who had distanced himself from classmates of other races after feeling pushed aside by them. It makes one wonder how many times, whether intentionally like Ironside Lake or unintentionally in the cases of Johanna and Peter, we choose to play it safe by staying around the familiar. I feel the message of this book can easily be expressed by the words of for King and Country’s song Relate: “I don’t know what it’s like to be you; you don’t know what it’s like to be me. What if we’re all the same in different kinds of ways? … We both know what it’s like to be hurt; we both know what it’s like to feel pain. But I think it’s safe to say we’re on to better days. Can you relate?”
This is what I loved most about the book: its message and challenge to see that despite differences in race, religion, or personalities, we all have one common ground. We’re all just humans trying to make this thing called life work. It’s messy, it’s hard. We’ve all been hurt and have faced trials because life comes with pain. It doesn’t always make people right, such as in the case of the Nazis, but as Christians, we are called not only to love our enemies, but to bless and pray for those who persecute us and hate us, and trust God to take care of the rest as vengeance belongs to Him. Things We Didn’t Say brought up a challenging question that I think is important to ask ourselves in today’s world. One of the characters questioned if to truly show love, we must also show a little hate, such as toward the German POWs who represented the death, evil, and destruction Nazi Germany, Hitler, and WW2 brought. As a Christian, the answer is obvious to me (love the person, hate the sin, and all that), but I think in today’s world where people are quick to scream, shout, and point fingers at each other, it’s a question we should consider for ourselves.
On another note away from the message, I must say I loved these characters so much. Johanna’s bluntness in her letters—though they may have gotten her into trouble every now and then—was so much fun to read and brought a smile to my face to see her feistiness, especially toward the things she was most passionate about and the people she loved. She reminded me a lot of myself because once I get focused on something, I passionately pursue it as if my life depended on it. Peter was also such a dear, and I loved how their relationship developed and changed throughout the book. (And we can’t talk about the characters without bringing up Major Davies. He was without a doubt one of my favorite side characters, and not just because we share a mutual deep passion for exclamation marks! He was someone who chose to see the best in people and stay optimistic, and I admired those traits about him.)
I also love books told in epistolary format, but I was especially surprised how Green kept it in the form of letters without switching to novel format at any point during the story. It’s the first time I’ve read an epistolary novel that was able to tell an entire story without relying on the typical storytelling techniques of novel format, and I loved it! Not to mention, I love it when a book’s title fits so perfectly with the story, and Things We Didn’t Say did just that!!!
Finally, I love the historical side of the story. While I knew a little about POW camps, I haven’t read a story that focused on them before and learned so much. My favorite types of historical fiction are those that are rich in the setting, making one feel like you’ve actually stepped back in time, and those that are full of historical nuggets where you can learn something new while also reading an enjoyable book. Things We Didn’t Say accomplished both of these things, and I would love to see more books that touch on forgotten moments in history from the US home front. (Oh, and I loved the reference to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, which is one of my favorite movies!!! I had forgotten that it would’ve been released by Johanna and Peter’s time.)
“But even when all of that was gone … it was just God himself. He’s there, Peter, and I think you were right: He’s been listening in the silence all along.”
If you enjoyed this book, you might also like: Within These Lines. Dearest Josephine. The Blackout Book Club.
February 23, 2022
UNPOPULAR REVIEW
Slightly spoilerish, Underdeveloped Storyline
Wow, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story. My anticipation heightened as I waited in my library's queue after repeated failed attempts to win an ARC. I read the first hundred pages fully invested into the emotional perils Joanna experienced as the local woman many in her community felt betrayed them.
This unpopular POW camp leads some to feel and believe that Joanna is sympathetic to those being held there, evil Nazi men. She is unhappy with this assignment that resulted in the elimination of her anonymous scholarship to college, if she failed to comply to serve her country. Her family is also pressured in assorted ways, since her father is the mayor of the small, close-knit community. Even her closest friend, Annika and only daughter of Joanna's pastor is so resentful she terminates their friendship. Joanna, Annika and her brother Erik had been great friends as children and teenagers. We learn this small family, lost Erik to the war. Annika's hostility is a reflection of some in the community.
Joanna advocates for small pleasures of the POW's rights along with her duties as censor and translator. Things such as books that are not political, English lessons to read these books that portray American values and even occasional visits off-site to the local church for those who wish to attend.
These activities give some flesh to the story. However, one of my problems is that the entire story is told strictly through letters. Primarily we see Joanna's thoughts in those she sends to her male confidante, a man of Japanese descent. We also see letters between the German prisoner's of the camp to family. There are also letters to other people in Joanna's life. This format for me became a bit cumbersome and honestly, just boring. I'm not sure why the author decided to use this as a plot device because it encumbered the story's telling.
Additionally, each character seemed rather flat and though I could imagine the quandary's Joanna found herself, I just couldn't connect with her as a character or any of the other key personalities enough to care. I also wondered if she and Peter friendship might grow as a love interest but that didn't seem to the develop at the 176 page mark where I abandoned the story. I read some spoilers (not marked by other reviewers, please be more considerate) and that spoiled the ending for me. So, maybe for other readers, I would encourage further reading because I hadn't expected that twist.
While I don't have to like the characters in a story, dynamic characters contribute to my interest or at least my understanding of their motivations in the story, these people were just too uninteresting for me. Secondarily, there wasn't a deep sense of time in this story. Although Peter and his experiences of being held in contempt by his fellow American countrymen because of his skin color made the story more realistic, I still get didn't get the sense of his being deeply hurt by this betrayal. Neither Joanna or Peter seemed driven by emotion or great concern over the advancements in the two war theaters. To me, I felt the author added it as an afterthought to lend authenticity. Presently, we who are more than thirty five understand how oppressive it is to be a country at war and its power to overwhelm every decision, this just didn't seem pervasive to me as I read it.
I did like that the religious focus was subtle and it did have some modest attention however, didn't beat the reader over the head. Again, we know that Joanna struggles with attending church with people she once felt close to especially the pastor's family, so now she avoids seeing them.
To summarize:
Writing Style and Plot Execution 2
Idea 5
Character Development 2
Setting 3
Total 12 divided by 4 =3
I know I sound overly critical, perhaps I overly anticipated this story that it didn't meet those expectations enough to see it through. Life is short and I have some better reading opportunities at the moment, so I will set this aside for a possible read in the future.
Slightly spoilerish, Underdeveloped Storyline
Wow, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story. My anticipation heightened as I waited in my library's queue after repeated failed attempts to win an ARC. I read the first hundred pages fully invested into the emotional perils Joanna experienced as the local woman many in her community felt betrayed them.
This unpopular POW camp leads some to feel and believe that Joanna is sympathetic to those being held there, evil Nazi men. She is unhappy with this assignment that resulted in the elimination of her anonymous scholarship to college, if she failed to comply to serve her country. Her family is also pressured in assorted ways, since her father is the mayor of the small, close-knit community. Even her closest friend, Annika and only daughter of Joanna's pastor is so resentful she terminates their friendship. Joanna, Annika and her brother Erik had been great friends as children and teenagers. We learn this small family, lost Erik to the war. Annika's hostility is a reflection of some in the community.
Joanna advocates for small pleasures of the POW's rights along with her duties as censor and translator. Things such as books that are not political, English lessons to read these books that portray American values and even occasional visits off-site to the local church for those who wish to attend.
These activities give some flesh to the story. However, one of my problems is that the entire story is told strictly through letters. Primarily we see Joanna's thoughts in those she sends to her male confidante, a man of Japanese descent. We also see letters between the German prisoner's of the camp to family. There are also letters to other people in Joanna's life. This format for me became a bit cumbersome and honestly, just boring. I'm not sure why the author decided to use this as a plot device because it encumbered the story's telling.
Additionally, each character seemed rather flat and though I could imagine the quandary's Joanna found herself, I just couldn't connect with her as a character or any of the other key personalities enough to care. I also wondered if she and Peter friendship might grow as a love interest but that didn't seem to the develop at the 176 page mark where I abandoned the story. I read some spoilers (not marked by other reviewers, please be more considerate) and that spoiled the ending for me. So, maybe for other readers, I would encourage further reading because I hadn't expected that twist.
While I don't have to like the characters in a story, dynamic characters contribute to my interest or at least my understanding of their motivations in the story, these people were just too uninteresting for me. Secondarily, there wasn't a deep sense of time in this story. Although Peter and his experiences of being held in contempt by his fellow American countrymen because of his skin color made the story more realistic, I still get didn't get the sense of his being deeply hurt by this betrayal. Neither Joanna or Peter seemed driven by emotion or great concern over the advancements in the two war theaters. To me, I felt the author added it as an afterthought to lend authenticity. Presently, we who are more than thirty five understand how oppressive it is to be a country at war and its power to overwhelm every decision, this just didn't seem pervasive to me as I read it.
I did like that the religious focus was subtle and it did have some modest attention however, didn't beat the reader over the head. Again, we know that Joanna struggles with attending church with people she once felt close to especially the pastor's family, so now she avoids seeing them.
To summarize:
Writing Style and Plot Execution 2
Idea 5
Character Development 2
Setting 3
Total 12 divided by 4 =3
I know I sound overly critical, perhaps I overly anticipated this story that it didn't meet those expectations enough to see it through. Life is short and I have some better reading opportunities at the moment, so I will set this aside for a possible read in the future.
October 8, 2023
I feel like this book might deserve a higher rating because I genuinely was impressed by the epistolary style. It kept things moving. I appreciated that the main character wasn't a Mary Sue and there was notable character growth for everyone. I hadn't realized (or at least had forgotten) that this was a specifically Christian novel, but it wasn't overt. In fact, if it wasn't for some of her final revelations at the end, I would have not been surprised to find this work from a secular publisher. And I mean that in the most complimentary way.
The thing is, I STRUGGLED to get into this book. I've been trying to read it for months. I've tried it in hard copy, in e-book, and in audio form multiple times. I struggled to care about where the plot was going. I don't know if it was me, the epistolary style, or simply a reading slump. By rights this should have been one of my favorite books this year and instead it has become one I mostly just feel relief to have finished.
The thing is, I STRUGGLED to get into this book. I've been trying to read it for months. I've tried it in hard copy, in e-book, and in audio form multiple times. I struggled to care about where the plot was going. I don't know if it was me, the epistolary style, or simply a reading slump. By rights this should have been one of my favorite books this year and instead it has become one I mostly just feel relief to have finished.
October 13, 2020
This was the first book I'd ever read that was written in the epistolary style. It was very different, but also very enlightening because the reader is allowed to get inside the characters' heads.
I confess I knew next to nothing about the German POW camps in the United States during World War II. I knew they were there and that's about it. My own uncle was a POW for thirteen months in Stalag 17 during the same war and was treated very horribly. Our own family never received any word from or about him until after his liberation. So it was good to know that the German prisoners in the United States were treated kindly and allowed to communicate with their families. This book has spurred me to research this situation for myself. I love to learn and Amy Lynn Green's writing has mademe very much interested in learning more.
Well written and flowing nicely, this is a debut novel that you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion is my own and I received no compensation.
I confess I knew next to nothing about the German POW camps in the United States during World War II. I knew they were there and that's about it. My own uncle was a POW for thirteen months in Stalag 17 during the same war and was treated very horribly. Our own family never received any word from or about him until after his liberation. So it was good to know that the German prisoners in the United States were treated kindly and allowed to communicate with their families. This book has spurred me to research this situation for myself. I love to learn and Amy Lynn Green's writing has mademe very much interested in learning more.
Well written and flowing nicely, this is a debut novel that you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion is my own and I received no compensation.
May 5, 2022
What an interesting story!! I really wasn’t sure what to expect coming into it so I liked how the story developed without my own thoughts of the plots direction to sway me. I haven't read many epistolary type books (besides The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society) so this was a fun change from my normal! The letters allowed for a more personal look at the characters. I especially loved Jo's wit and humor, and Peter's steadiness and charm. I found it a little slow for the first half, but I found myself really enjoying it once I got past the middle chapters. I appreciate all the time and research put into this book and think this is a great one to pick up if you're looking for something new and different!
October 10, 2020
It’s not often that a debut novel really blows me away, but Things We Didn’t Say was absolutely amazing. I grabbed a digital copy of this book on a whim. It’s not my typical genre, but I’m always looking to try new authors. I was completely captivated by the writing style and characters. The story itself was completely engrossing and I was totally sucked in by the plot. This book has so many layers to it that I feel like it’s one I will be pondering for days. One thing that I was surprised by is that although the subject matter is serious, and the time period is during a war, this book flowed effortlessly without being heavy. Amy Green was able to capture the heart and emotions of a strenuous and controversial time in history, but offer it in a way that was diplomatic and showed various perspectives. The live story in this novel was subtle, however it was perfectly crafted and naturally occurring and I wouldn’t have changed a bit of it! I have a serious book hangover from this fabulous read and cannot wait to see more from this Author!!!!
December 29, 2020
Having grown up in NW Iowa, I have heard of the German POW camps there, but never visited. I heard more of the Japanese internment camps because my aunt was born in a camp in California. But looking into the German POW camps, I did not know there were so many, and one that held some of the high officers was right here where I live now. I think it would be an interesting stop on a trip back home to see this museum. My son loves history, so I think he would love it just as much.
This is the story of Johanna Berglund an interpreter at the German POW camp in Ironside Lake, Minnesota. She was to interpret the letters in to the soldiers and the ones soldiers wrote out of the camp. A very interesting story, especially when you bring in her friend Peter Ito, who was a Japanese American who taught intelligence at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. It was also about the hurt that happened between families when a loved one is killed. Forgiveness, hatred, prejudice, and understanding are just a few of the feelings throughout the book.
The book is written entirely in letters between friends, people of the town, and the local newspaper. It was an interesting way, and one that I likes as a change of pace. I liked the book for a majority, I did not really connect with Johanna, I felt she was a bit harsh and not very personable. I am not sure I really liked her and Peter together either. In all it was an interesting read into the life, happenings, and the way of a German POW camp here in the states. Would recommend to my fellow readers and look forward to future works by Ms. Green.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bethany House/Bethany House Publishers, and Amy Lynn Green for this advanced copy.
This is the story of Johanna Berglund an interpreter at the German POW camp in Ironside Lake, Minnesota. She was to interpret the letters in to the soldiers and the ones soldiers wrote out of the camp. A very interesting story, especially when you bring in her friend Peter Ito, who was a Japanese American who taught intelligence at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. It was also about the hurt that happened between families when a loved one is killed. Forgiveness, hatred, prejudice, and understanding are just a few of the feelings throughout the book.
The book is written entirely in letters between friends, people of the town, and the local newspaper. It was an interesting way, and one that I likes as a change of pace. I liked the book for a majority, I did not really connect with Johanna, I felt she was a bit harsh and not very personable. I am not sure I really liked her and Peter together either. In all it was an interesting read into the life, happenings, and the way of a German POW camp here in the states. Would recommend to my fellow readers and look forward to future works by Ms. Green.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bethany House/Bethany House Publishers, and Amy Lynn Green for this advanced copy.
January 1, 2021
What an AMAZING debut novel by Any Lynn Green! Honestly, I was a little skeptical, but this quickly became one of my favorite books of 2020!
I have never read a book quite like this - It is written entirely in letters, telegrams, etc amongst the characters. It takes a couple of chapters to get used to this type of writing, but just keep reading - It is so unique and wonderful!
In this novel, you will get set down into the little town of Ironside Lake, Wisconsin during WWII. You will experience what it was like to live in a small, close-knit town hosting a POW camp. Wow! That was not something I had thought about!
The characters are so fun and I absolutely fell in love with them! Johanna (age 22) is one of my all-time favorite characters of 2020! She is spunky, candid, and mostly unconcerned with the cares of society. Such a refreshing character who is somewhat reminiscent of Anne Shirley.
Overall, this was a lighthearted, easy to read & follow, well-written novel full of surprises and laughs! I definitely can't wait to see what else Amy Lynn Green has in store! :)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I have never read a book quite like this - It is written entirely in letters, telegrams, etc amongst the characters. It takes a couple of chapters to get used to this type of writing, but just keep reading - It is so unique and wonderful!
In this novel, you will get set down into the little town of Ironside Lake, Wisconsin during WWII. You will experience what it was like to live in a small, close-knit town hosting a POW camp. Wow! That was not something I had thought about!
The characters are so fun and I absolutely fell in love with them! Johanna (age 22) is one of my all-time favorite characters of 2020! She is spunky, candid, and mostly unconcerned with the cares of society. Such a refreshing character who is somewhat reminiscent of Anne Shirley.
Overall, this was a lighthearted, easy to read & follow, well-written novel full of surprises and laughs! I definitely can't wait to see what else Amy Lynn Green has in store! :)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 18, 2020
A fascinating historical read that taught me something I never knew. Author, Amy Lynn Green, creatively weaves a captivating story through letters giving readers the unique perspective of spying on a piece of American history. I think the best part of this story is learning about the role Nazi POW's had in our nation's history as well as what was happening on the Pacific front with Japanese sentiment after Pearl Harbor. The author does a great job creating page-turning tension with strong characters and her unique plot. I'll say that her main character, Jo, was an enigma to me in that I enjoyed her wit very much but also found myself struggling to empathize with her completely in her abrasive tact towards others. It wasn't enough that I wouldn't give this story the stars it deserves or keep me highly recommending this book to others.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions expressed are my own.**
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions expressed are my own.**
October 16, 2020
I am not sure what I expected when I picked up this book, but a literary collection of letters in the tradition of "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" was unexpected. A book written in this manner can either fall flat or be wildly successful, and I believe this one to be the latter.
The story, woven in letters, of a strong heroine without romantic interests, but longing for an education, to stand for what she believes in, come across very well. the German POW's along with the Japanese unrest, is told in a new way when I thought it could not be done. My only wish would be that we had just a bit more to the story. Well done.
I obtained this book from the publishers. All opinions contained herein are my own.
The story, woven in letters, of a strong heroine without romantic interests, but longing for an education, to stand for what she believes in, come across very well. the German POW's along with the Japanese unrest, is told in a new way when I thought it could not be done. My only wish would be that we had just a bit more to the story. Well done.
I obtained this book from the publishers. All opinions contained herein are my own.
January 10, 2021
I was charmed from the first page! This epistolary novel, told through letters, flowed seamlessly for me, with plenty of wit to keep me laughing and also a poignancy that at times took my breath away. Author Amy Lynn Green’s delightful characters will resonate with readers in this tale set in rural Minnesota during WWII. Quirky linguistics student Johanna Berglund is certainly a gem, and her life is never the same once she’s coerced into coming home to act as translator to the town’s new camp for German POWs. There were some lovely twists that kept me up late turning the pages, and I found Ironside Lake a world both memorable and entertaining. Things We Didn’t Say is a wonderful story and a must-read for fans of historical fiction!
April 14, 2021
This book completely enthralled me. What a clever way to tell a story—and one I’ve never heard before. I love WWII fiction, but what life was like in the Midwest was new to me. Amy Lynn Green wove together the most fascinating book I’ve read in a very long time. I’m completely impressed and highly recommend this book.
May 10, 2022
When I was in fifth grade, my ILA (Integrated Language Arts, that is) and social studies teacher assigned us a book called Dear Levi: Letters From the Overland Trail, which discussed the period of American history we were learning about at the time. Not only was it an Accelerated Reader title—those of you who are of my generation know about that—but, the teacher also gave us her own tests on the book, though they were rather easy; multiple choice, yes, but only with two possible answers. I remember liking the book, but not much else about it.
What does that have to do with this book? Simple: It’s the first one I’ve read since the aforementioned required reading that was told entirely via letters. While I may have liked that back in the day, it annoyed me in this case. Why couldn’t the author just tell the story and include some correspondence alongside the narrative? The varying fonts were fun—as a lifelong computer user, I’ve always loved different typefaces; in fact, when I was seven, I taught my mom the meaning of the word “font”—but, that’s about it; the story was lost in the awkward style.
What does that have to do with this book? Simple: It’s the first one I’ve read since the aforementioned required reading that was told entirely via letters. While I may have liked that back in the day, it annoyed me in this case. Why couldn’t the author just tell the story and include some correspondence alongside the narrative? The varying fonts were fun—as a lifelong computer user, I’ve always loved different typefaces; in fact, when I was seven, I taught my mom the meaning of the word “font”—but, that’s about it; the story was lost in the awkward style.
January 8, 2021
I've talked about my love of letter writing before in reviews, as well as growing up with a dear grandmother (and others) who were my pen pals. I love stories that bring back those memories as well as inspire me to continue writing letters (or emails) to friends and family. I was also pretty obsessed with learning everything I could about WWII when I was younger, having had several family members serve in the military during the war. I felt such a great connection to them as I did so.
I loved the letters in the book and the way that they showed a greater depth and created a connection with the characters in the book. When done well, I really enjoy reading/listening to books that are written all through letters or have several letters throughout the story. I love the personalization of characters that creates. Johanna was a strong character whom I enjoyed watching grow and learn, especially as she stepped out of her comfort zone.
I followed an author chat about writing and letters that was really fun. Amy Lynn Green and several other authors whom I have read their books participated. It was fun to read more about the process of writing this book as well as some of the reasons why. It was also fun to ask questions about the book during the chat.
If you have a love of history, letters, well developed characters this is a book for you!
Content: Clean
I received a copy from the publisher, Bethany House, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I loved the letters in the book and the way that they showed a greater depth and created a connection with the characters in the book. When done well, I really enjoy reading/listening to books that are written all through letters or have several letters throughout the story. I love the personalization of characters that creates. Johanna was a strong character whom I enjoyed watching grow and learn, especially as she stepped out of her comfort zone.
I followed an author chat about writing and letters that was really fun. Amy Lynn Green and several other authors whom I have read their books participated. It was fun to read more about the process of writing this book as well as some of the reasons why. It was also fun to ask questions about the book during the chat.
If you have a love of history, letters, well developed characters this is a book for you!
Content: Clean
I received a copy from the publisher, Bethany House, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 10, 2022
Officially in a book hangover! This was such a powerful story and the way it was written was refreshing!
While there were a few times I struggled bouncing between all of the letters and correspondences I wouldn’t have changed a THING!
I honestly am struggling so hard to find the proper words to describe the brilliance and beauty that is this story!
I came away changed, forced to look at my own life and even unconscious prejudices and reevaluate all of it! Truly asking God to give me his eyes to see and love people the way he does!
Amy has an absolutely beautiful writing voice! I wanted to pick the story up and finish it all at once, but I also wanted to savor every little thing.
Jo was a great lead character! I loved seeing her change and grow as the story progressed. He character was truly challenged! But her snark and sass was my favorite! It made reading all of the letters feel so real.
Peter was a great character as well! I really loved his & Jo’s relationship. They shot straight with each other and their romance truly blossomed through the letters.
There was such a strong message of forgiveness and loving your enemy! And even though this was a work of WW2 fiction, that message is as real and important as they come!
This book holds a piece of my heart I’m pretty sure! My only wish is that the story would’ve been longer so I could’ve stayed in that world.
Don’t let the size of the book intimate you! Pick it up! You won’t be sorry!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
While there were a few times I struggled bouncing between all of the letters and correspondences I wouldn’t have changed a THING!
I honestly am struggling so hard to find the proper words to describe the brilliance and beauty that is this story!
I came away changed, forced to look at my own life and even unconscious prejudices and reevaluate all of it! Truly asking God to give me his eyes to see and love people the way he does!
Amy has an absolutely beautiful writing voice! I wanted to pick the story up and finish it all at once, but I also wanted to savor every little thing.
Jo was a great lead character! I loved seeing her change and grow as the story progressed. He character was truly challenged! But her snark and sass was my favorite! It made reading all of the letters feel so real.
Peter was a great character as well! I really loved his & Jo’s relationship. They shot straight with each other and their romance truly blossomed through the letters.
There was such a strong message of forgiveness and loving your enemy! And even though this was a work of WW2 fiction, that message is as real and important as they come!
This book holds a piece of my heart I’m pretty sure! My only wish is that the story would’ve been longer so I could’ve stayed in that world.
Don’t let the size of the book intimate you! Pick it up! You won’t be sorry!
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
October 29, 2020
This is Amy Lynn Green’s debut book, but you would never be able to tell. I’m now a fan! I loved that this is an epistolary novel. I also liked that each letter started out saying who it was to and who it was from. It made it easier to hear each person’s voice through their writing. I would recommend this book for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
November 15, 2020
Things We Didn't Say was a refreshing book for me because of its epistolary style. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of this novel at all. I thoroughly enjoyed all the letters and learning about all the characters, though I will admit that it was a challenge because I'm not used to getting to know people through letters. (at least not anymore!) Johanna was a strong character and I really liked that she wasn't afraid of being real and upfront. I didn't know what to expect of this novel but I do know if there is a chance of going back to Ironside Lake, I would not hesitate to go back and spend more time with everyone.
My gratitude to Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley. All opinions are my own
My gratitude to Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley. All opinions are my own
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