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.
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Praise
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This compelling novel of life on the US home front during World War II fascinated me from beginning to end.
Lynn Austinauthor of If I Were You
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Based on actual World War II experiences, and sparkling with humor and touches of romance, this is an impressive debut from a multitalented writer.
Julie Klassenauthor of The Bridge to Belle Island
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Amy Green’s debut novel kept me guessing to the very end—twist upon twist upon twist. She is a master plotter, so read every single word!
Beverly Lewis
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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!
Sarah Sundinbestselling and award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series
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Things We Didn’t Say is a stand-out novel as brilliant and brave as its heroine. . . . An utterly satisfying read you’ll want to share as soon as you reach its conclusion.
Jocelyn GreenChristy Award–winning author of Veiled in Smoke
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Amy Green pens a fascinating story of intrigue and love in her book Things We Didn’t Say. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Amy takes care to bring history alive as she moves her characters through situations that force them to take a deeper look at who they are and what they really want out of life.
Tracie Peterson
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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. . . .A dazzlingly smart and confident debut, Things We Didn’t Say is as moving as it is memorable.
Rachel McMillanauthor of The London Restoration
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Things We Didn’t Say is the best sort of book: where the characters feel like friends, the story feels like home, and the pages beckon you to turn them ceaselessly, immersing you in an absorbing world. Amy Lynn Green expertly wields wit, heart, history, and enveloping storytelling in this glorious debut!
Amanda Dykesauthor of Set the Stars Alight and Whose Waves These Are
