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The Life of Lee Lye Hoe: An Unsung Woman Hero
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe, by James A. Wolter, is a poignant and compelling fictional account that draws from real-life events, chronicling the life of Sister Amah, who is forced to leave her home in South Canton due to the ravages of war. The narrative follows her journey from being a small landowner of a prosperous farm to becoming a servant in a war-torn world. In this new, harsh environment, she discovers love and compassion through her bond with a small child, beginning a new chapter in her life. Lee Lye Hoe’s story is emblematic of the countless sisters and mothers who, fleeing from Japanese or English soldiers, sought refuge far from their homeland. Wolter skillfully presents her life story, from childhood to her transformation into a domestic helper, capturing the resilience and strength of women in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Wolter’s writing is both accessible and deeply engaging, making it difficult to put the book down once you begin. The narrative is driven by a strong, determined plot that captures the reader’s attention from the very start. The book opens with a heart-wrenching challenge faced by Lee Lye Hoe and her mother, immediately immersing the reader in their struggles. However, this is not just a tale of war and migration; it is the story of a woman’s resilience as she overcomes every obstacle life throws her way. Even when she had no obligation to do so, she devoted herself to helping others, showcasing the vast reservoir of compassion within her. This book captivated me entirely, holding me in its grip from beginning to end. It reminded me of Pachinko, a novel that similarly explores the plight of Korean-Japanese people during times of conflict. The Life of Lee Lye Hoe stands out as a powerful addition to the canon of literature that portrays the harrowing experiences of those displaced by war. Wolter’s portrayal of Cantonese society and the hardships endured by its people during these tumultuous times offers readers a vivid glimpse into a world upended by conflict.
I highly recommend The Life of Lee Lye Hoe to anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of war on individuals and societies. This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of women like Lee Lye Hoe but also a stark reminder that, in the end, it is always the common people who bear the brunt of war’s devastation.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DDR3X4ZS
Star-Crossed Lovers
Brazzaville—A Sequel to Casablanca follows four friends who, at the end of Casablanca, fly off to Portugal and tell the story of what happens after that. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with it and develop it into a story?
At the end of the classic film, Casablanca, Louis tells Rick they can go to the Free French garrison at Brazzaville. That prompted Rick to say … “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” But the war hadn’t ended. And Brazzaville is in the Congo. I have always wondered what happened after these two friends walked into the fog at the end of the film (and I know I’m not alone in this regard). Resistance to fascism was growing, and America was about to enter the war. Rick had fought for the underdog in Ethiopia and in Spain; it was natural for him to join the fight in North Africa. Ilsa Lund and Victor Laszlo found their way to Portugal. During the war, Lisbon was a free city where British agents and SS agents roamed its streets freely. When the British meet Ilsa and Victor at the airport, we think that their struggle is over, but it is just beginning for Ilsa.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Rick’s reunion with Ilsa. In the book, they each experience loss during the war. The Nazis in Lisbon shot and killed Victor, leaving Ilsa alone. Rick, still carrying a torch for Ilsa, becomes involved in the resistance movement and eventually marries Yvonne, who fought alongside him. The Nazis kill Yvonne, compounding Rick’s losses. The struggles of these star-crossed lovers – Rick and Ilsa – and their reunion was for me a joy to write. Throughout all their troubles and perils, they still loved each other, but how could they reunite? The means of that reunion became clear as I started to write the pages.
As an accomplished writer with books in multiple genres, what advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
Write about something that makes you want to get up in the morning and work on the plot. Outlines and storyboards are great tools if they help you, but they are no substitutes for having a clear inner picture of where the plot is going and how the characters are going to develop. If you are writing a historical novel, be sure to do your research carefully. Dialogue is also important; make sure you accurately use each character’s unique voice to enhance the believability of the story. If you’re writing fiction, make sure your characters are believable and your plot development engaging for the reader.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
We are finishing Sunrise Over Casablanca which deals with our band of friends during the end of WWII and the turmoil that Europe and North Africa faces. Europe was devasted by the collapse of her economy with the bombing of her industry and infrastructure, and North Africa was under the boot of European colonialism. The story deals with pre-Marshall Plan efforts to stop the communist takeover of Western Europe, the Greek Civil War, and the liberation of Morocco and Algeria. Also, we have just published a historical novel about Pope Joan, the first female pope (which might get me excommunicated) and a few other books are on my editor’s desk. I am currently starting a project on the Reconquista, about a family involved in the struggle between Spaniards and Muslims.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Brazzaville – A Sequel to Casablanca
Brazzaville – A Sequel to Casablanca offers a compelling expansion of the narrative universe established by the iconic film “Casablanca.” Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel delves into the continued adventures of familiar characters like Rick, Ilsa, and Sam. Engaging in espionage and resistance against the Nazis, the book captures the essence of underground struggle, threading a narrative rich in historical authenticity and personal drama.
The story adeptly intertwines scenes of sabotage, from blowing up tunnels and railroads to disseminating misinformation, against the dire circumstances of Nazi occupation. The characters’ efforts contribute significantly to the liberation of Paris, culminating in a vividly described march down the Champs-Élysées, symbolizing a hard-fought victory. What elevates this novel is its exploration of deeper themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and freedom. These themes are personified through the complex personal and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, adding layers to the conventional wartime narrative. The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the personal toll of war, focusing on emotional and relational aspects amidst chaos and uncertainty. The book’s concluding segment, set in the post-war era of 1953, offers thoughtful reflection on the long-term impacts of conflict and the quest for normalcy in the aftermath of turmoil. It touches upon the broader historical context, including the struggle for independence in North Africa.
Brazzaville—A Sequel to Casablanca skillfully blends fact with fiction, providing a nuanced portrayal of resistance during one of history’s most challenging periods. Its narrative not only pays homage to the original film but also noteworthy explores wartime resilience and the human spirit.
Pages: 498 | ASIN : B07Z45XX7Y
Kate’s War
Linda Stewart Henley’s novel Kate’s War presents an evocative narrative set during the tumultuous period of World War II. It centers on Kate, a young English woman whose aspirations in music are abruptly halted by the outbreak of war. The story eloquently portrays her struggle to adapt to the drastic changes brought by the war, including the constant threat of bombings and the prospect of London’s invasion.
Henley masterfully weaves a tale that not only delves into Kate’s personal transformation but also explores her newfound relationship with a young Jewish girl and her family who are refugees from Germany. This interaction enriches the narrative, bringing to life the broader impact of the war on individuals from different backgrounds. Henley’s novel skillfully balances the portrayal of the wider socio-economic shifts of the era with intimate character development. It highlights the accelerated transition into adulthood faced by Kate and her peers, forced by circumstances to confront realities far beyond their years. This aspect of the story offers a poignant commentary on the loss of innocence and the enduring effects of war on the psyche of young individuals.
Henley’s narrative shines in its ability to make the experiences of war relatable to readers who may not have firsthand knowledge of such events. The detailed descriptions of day-to-day survival, from rationing to the construction of bomb shelters, lend a credible and immersive quality to the story.
Kate’s War is both an emotional journey and a captivating historical piece, vividly painting a picture of the era it represents. Its blend of historical authenticity and deep character exploration makes it an engaging read for enthusiasts of historical fiction.
Pages: 296 | ISBN : 978-1647426149
Unlikely Friends
Brazzaville: A Sequel to Casablanca picks up where the iconic film ends with the memorable main characters fighting for their lives in the midst of Nazi-occupied Europe. What was the inspiration that drove you to share your vision of this sequel with readers?
First of all, I have loved Casablanca ever since I first saw it, and I never tire seeing it again and again. My curiosity finally got the better of me, and I decided to explore what happens after the movie ends with Rick Blaine saying to Louis Renault, as they walk into the fog, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Where does such an unlikely friendship lead these two men? I wanted to see what the war might do to them and how they face life and death challenges.
Sure, Ilsa and her husband escape to Portugal, but Lisbon is an open city where English and Nazi spies work the streets. A big catch like Victor Laszlo might escape spies in Morocco but not so in Lisbon. Rick’s obligation to the people who helped him in Casablanca drives him to forge alliances with the French Resistance and free his friend Sam, Mister Ferrari, and others. Through their efforts in North Africa, we witness as this dedicated group of fighters keeps the Straits of Hercules open and helps to turn the tide of the war in North Africa and beyond. The concerted efforts of this close-knit family of friends help to thwart the advance of the Third Reich.
I imagine the research for this novel was extensive. Can you share with us a little about your process?
I research as I write, wherever the story takes me. I can do this primarily through many historical sites online which corroborate facts and offer insights into war, geography, and war-time situations that further my story. Writing a historical fiction novel gives me the opportunity at times to adjust facts that don’t exactly fit the dynamics of my story, but I try to be as historically accurate as possible.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes. I think so. We see how the lives of two ordinary people make a tremendous difference in the conduct and the prosecution of the war. We begin to see how a few individuals in a concerted effort make sacrifices that matter and step up to the challenges that confront them.
Will there be a third installment?
We could continue with the Algerian push for independence from France after the war. The idea that intrigues me is how Rick, Lisa, and Louis deal with this revolutionary movement and if they do or do not support the will of the Algerian people.
Right now, I’m working on a dystopian novel with themes that are more current and poignant.
If not, what can readers expect to see from you next?
We have several books already published that might interest readers:
Animal Court allows animals to put an African prince on trial for his crimes against nature. The judges, jurors, and attorneys are all animals. Even the news reporter for ANN (Animal News Network) is an animal. This modern fable reads like trial proceedings in a courtroom, and it is both educational and amusing. A story for all ages.
The Lilium is about the children of Lilith, the mother of demons, and how a few of her offspring reject their demonic impulses to try to find redemption and attain their humanity.
Also, The Apocryphal of Lazarus. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is raised from the dead, but he cannot die. What happens to him as he never ages and outlives one family after another? Where does he go? What does he do? We follow him until he finally starts seeing signs of aging in himself.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website
Brazzaville – A Sequel to Casablanca
Following the cinematic triumph of Casablanca, whispers of a potential sequel titled Brazzaville buzzed through Hollywood, yet it never graced the silver screen. In a masterstroke of imagination, authors Pablo Omar Zaragoza and Susan Giffin unveil their vision of this elusive sequel in a riveting novel. Picking up immediately after Casablanca’s poignant finale, we are thrust into a world with Rick, Louis, and Ilsa, battling the encroaching shadows of Nazi terror. As Ilsa and Lazslo make their desperate escape to Lisbon, they find themselves not out of danger, but rather delving deeper into its grip. Concurrently, Rick and Louis ally with the resistance, embarking on daring missions to free innocent souls from Nazi clutches.
One of the book’s most captivating elements is its expansion on the theme of “found family.” The narrative showcases the resilience of relationships forged in adversity, emanating warmth even in the darkest of times. The unwavering affection Fletcher harbors for Amalia serves as a bittersweet backdrop amidst the tumultuous events. Rick’s assertion, “Besides, my greatest asset isn’t money; it’s family and friends, and of those, I have plenty,” captures this sentiment beautifully.
Zaragoza and Giffin’s writing style deserves commendation for its incredible realism. The palpable tension as characters hang onto every word from the radio and the meticulously detailed battle scenes make the reader feel ensconced within the narrative. Brazzaville: A Casablanca Sequel interweaves adrenaline-pumping action with heart-tugging emotion, a balance that is all too rare. The introduction of fresh faces to the narrative feels organic, enriching the plot without overshadowing established characters. For fans of the classic film, as well as enthusiasts of action tales, this novel promises an exhilarating journey.
Pages: 498 | ASIN : B07Z45XX7Y
LITERARY TITAN 