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"Remember the Lilies" by Liz Tolsma
Feb. 17th, 2015 10:14 am
I have been very impressed by Liz Tolsma's World War II novels. In "Remember the Lilies," Tolsma transports us to the Philippine islands and the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila. I have to admit that this aspect of the war was not one I was familiar with, making the book and the real history all the more fascinating to me as I read.
Rand Sterling was a wealthy and popular night club owner in Manila, but that means little now that he is a prisoner at the internment camp. While he dreams big of reopening his clubs when the war is over, he also realizes that there are few people who truly care about him as an individual. Hearing word that his Filipino caretaker is sick and near death, Rand is willing to risk his life in an escape attempt to see this faithful friend one more time.
Raised by her missionary aunt in the Philippine jungle, Irene Reynolds now finds their roles reversed as she cares for her ailing aunt in Santo Tomas. While working in the censor's office Irene comes across a message that has a veiled reference to Rand's plans, and realizing that she can warn him that someone is onto his upcoming escape attempt, Irene rushes to find him that night before it's too late. Soon their friendship grows into solid support and genuine care for one another.
Conditions are not good in Santo Tomas, as the place is crowded with a few thousand Americans, and disease and hunger are rampant. Rand and Irene both become aware of secrets from their past which could put any future between them in jeopardy - a future that is already shaky because of their different backgrounds and beliefs. As the days of waiting for liberation stretch on into months and years, survival becomes very difficult. Can faith be found and held on to even in such bleak circumstances?
I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WWII fiction, although not without a caution that it is not for young readers or those who have triggers due to sexual assault. If you would like to read an interview with a real-life Santo Tomas survivor, the author has one up on her blog in three parts: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
I received my copy of the book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rand Sterling was a wealthy and popular night club owner in Manila, but that means little now that he is a prisoner at the internment camp. While he dreams big of reopening his clubs when the war is over, he also realizes that there are few people who truly care about him as an individual. Hearing word that his Filipino caretaker is sick and near death, Rand is willing to risk his life in an escape attempt to see this faithful friend one more time.
Raised by her missionary aunt in the Philippine jungle, Irene Reynolds now finds their roles reversed as she cares for her ailing aunt in Santo Tomas. While working in the censor's office Irene comes across a message that has a veiled reference to Rand's plans, and realizing that she can warn him that someone is onto his upcoming escape attempt, Irene rushes to find him that night before it's too late. Soon their friendship grows into solid support and genuine care for one another.
Conditions are not good in Santo Tomas, as the place is crowded with a few thousand Americans, and disease and hunger are rampant. Rand and Irene both become aware of secrets from their past which could put any future between them in jeopardy - a future that is already shaky because of their different backgrounds and beliefs. As the days of waiting for liberation stretch on into months and years, survival becomes very difficult. Can faith be found and held on to even in such bleak circumstances?
I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys WWII fiction, although not without a caution that it is not for young readers or those who have triggers due to sexual assault. If you would like to read an interview with a real-life Santo Tomas survivor, the author has one up on her blog in three parts: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
I received my copy of the book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
