From the Bookshelf of La Crescent Public Library…

[close] For fans of WWII history, The Long March Home is a MUST READ! Most of us know about the events of Pearl Harbor, but few are familiar with the fighting that took place in the Philippines, even though it was the largest surrender of U.S. troops in history. Now known as the Bataan Death March, 10,000 U.S. soldiers and 62,000 Filipino soldiers were forced to march more than 60 miles along the Bataan peninsula to prison camps.

The conditions these soldiers experienced were some of the absolute worst. The authors, Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee, did an immense amount of research and craft work (12 years worth to be exact!) in order to take these experiences and bring them to life on the page in this first person narrative account of three friends who go from Alabama to the Philippines during WWII.

Our library was lucky enough to host the authors for a virtual book chat about the research that went into this novel and their passion and empathy for the veterans who served (and those actively serving) is clear. There are many rich themes in the book perfect for book clubs, historical societies, and discussion groups that delve into the importance of relationships and friendships, mental health and post-war recovery, and the varying experiences of war and forgiveness.

I loved talking to the authors and know you'll be as engrossed in this book as I was. They really bring the history AND the emotions of the times to life.

~ Jess