March 9, 2018
Colorful Hawaii…friendship…loyalty…pies…romance…racism…brave marines…and a lion
Island Of Sweet Pies and Soldiers
by Sara Ackerman
Genre/categories: historical fiction, WW11, family life, military
Thank you to The Loud Library Lady for a free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This review of Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers is part of a Reading Train and all opinions are my own.
Summary:
Surrounded by the tropical beauty of Hawaii in 1944, Violet Iverson and her daughter Ella struggle to stabilize their lives after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the disappearance of Violet’s husband and Ella’s father whom some speculate might have been a spy. After Pearl Harbor, prejudice against the Japanese is common on the island, and the fear and mistrust is difficult for Violet to face as many of her close friends and community members are Japanese and suddenly become the feared “them.” Because Violet and her friends desire to make a little money and also wish to support the war effort, they devise a plan to make sweet pies for the soldiers, Meanwhile, Ella is miserable because she’s keeping a secret, is scared, and refuses to talk about it. More complications set in when Violet develops a close relationship with Sergeant Parker Stone. In spite of Violet’s attraction, she feels guilty because her husband’s disappearance has not been resolved. Readers will need to suspend their belief when they find out that a friendly pet lion is the marine mascot and among the cast of characters. Goodreads Overall Rating: 4.14
My Thoughts:
Recommended
Readers that are looking for a light historical fiction read with a bit of mystery and romance might enjoy Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers. It’s a quick and easy page turner with memorable characters (including a pet lion!). Readers who call or have called Hawaii home might find this an especially interesting read. The author is from Hawaii and her story is based on stories she heard from her grandmother.
What Worked
I enjoyed the Hawaiian perspective of the war, appreciated hearing about the training for the soldiers, and was saddened about the treatment of the Japanese (the only other time I’ve read about the prejudice against the Japanese is in Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet). Also, I appreciated the realistic story line of a single mom trying to hold it together and the heartbreaking descriptions of ten-year-old Ella suffering from severe anxiety and fear.
Themes
Told from two perspectives (Violet’s and Ella’s), readers will enjoy the strong themes of friendship, hope, loyalty, mother/daughter relationship, secrets, heartbreak and tragedy of war, and the power of choosing love in difficult circumstances.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Meet the Author, Sara Ackerman
Born and raised in Hawaii, Sara studied journalism and earned graduate degrees in psychology and Chinese medicine. When she’s not writing or practicing acupuncture, you’ll find her in the mountains or in the ocean.
Happy Reading Bookworms!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection!
Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
Looking Ahead
Next week, I’ll review How to Find Love in a Bookshop
What are you reading this week?
Links I Love
Novels and Nonfiction: Top Ten Favorite Classics With Quotes
Top Shelf Text: 50 Books By and About Women of Color
(in celebration of International Women’s Day)
A Wrinkle in Time coming to theaters TODAY March 9!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society coming to theaters April 20!
Sharing is Caring
I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along, promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.
Let’s Discuss!
I’d love to hear all about what you are reading this week!
Thank you for linking to my post 🙂 That is one interesting title for a historical fiction novel! I may just have to consider it.
You’re welcome! Loved your quote selections!
Interesting look at WWII– from Japanese American point of view in Hawaii. Is it not released yet?? And can’t wait to see the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society movie!! Loved Lilly James in The Darkest Hour and Downton Abbey! So fun to find your blog Carol!
It just recently released in February. Thanks for stopping by Rhonda…..it was great to meet you today at the shower! It appears that we read and enjoy many of the same books! Your blog is wonderful! I noted several recipes I’d like to try!
Thanks Carol– I’ll be checking in to read through your book reviews! thanks!
It’s lovely to have you!
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