Things We Didn't Say

Starred review from October 1, 2020

DEBUT Johanna Berglund is accused of helping two German prisoners of war escape during World War II and faces charges of treason. In her defense, she assembles a collection of letters, telegrams, and newspaper articles that detail her relationships and actions over the past year as a translator and censor for Camp Ironside in rural Minnesota. The brilliant and socially awkward Johanna at first thinks her military assignment is an unnecessary detour, but she soon develops a rapport with the Germans. Her most frequent correspondent, Nisei language instructor Peter Ito, warns her it could be dangerous to get too close to the enemy. However, Peter's descriptions of his treatment at the hands of the U.S. Army while his family is in internment camps only strengthens Johanna's resolve to advocate for the prisoners. The entire story is creatively told through letters, which heightens the mystery of who the real traitor is. VERDICT Green's debut is a memorable and moving exploration of prejudice and friendship across ethnic and gender lines. For readers who enjoy tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary historical situations � la Susan Meissner and Lisa Wingate.--Christine Barth, Scott Cty. Lib. Syst., IA

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2020
After leaving her hometown for a future in academia, gifted linguist Johanna Berglund finds herself back in Ironside Lake, Minnesota, in 1944, serving as translator for the new German prisoners-of-war camp. Privy to the prisoners' private correspondence with loved ones, Johanna starts to see the men not with disdain as the enemy but instead with respect for fellow humans. She begins questioning her understanding of the American dream, with its inherent darkness and hypocrisy, but without dangerously compromising her loyalty to country. Caught between two worlds, Johanna struggles to assess the power of propaganda and the cost of compassion. Green proves to be a first-rate author in her remarkable first novel about humanity and patriotism. Things We Didn't Say is told entirely through letters, in which readers follow the correspondence of Johanna, POWs, military commanders, and community members, watching their fascinating, complex story unfold. Through her ambitious use of this limiting format, Green brilliantly creates a limitless and captivating reading experience with the nuance and wisdom of a seasoned writer. The timeless dichotomy of forgiveness and justice rings with contemporary relevance, and Johanna will be a well-loved heroine for her gumption, humility, and wit.

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