I received an ARC from Simon & Schuster Canada through NetGalley. Reading this book was like stepping back in time. The author did an amazing job of researching and writing about the events that took place.
Molly became a reporter and when she was invited to go interview the men that were POW that was coming home, she went. She was interviewing one of the soldiers when she thought she saw someone she knew, but it couldn't be because Max was dead. She discovered it really was Max, and she interviewed him with the man she was engaged to marry. They learned a lot of not only what had gone on during the war and what the soldiers endured but the feeling Molly and Max once had, were still there.
The history, the feelings, and the damage done to the soldiers was a story Molly knew had to be told, and the people of Canada had to know what had actually taken place. One of Molly's brothers was killed while he was fighting overseas, but before he died he gave Max a letter to give to his family. Max did finally make it home and gave the letter to Molly's family. When they read the letter it changed some things for the family because it was a confession from their son.

I never even thought about WWII and Canada. I knew nothing for their WWII history but now I am intrigued. I want to learn more, read more, and meet more amazing people from history.

The divide between Jews and other races was not something I really thought about happening in North America. I thought of that as a Europe thing, but in Canada the divide led to protests, riots, loss of friends, and distrust in communities. I could feel the pain and fear that Molly and Max felt as their friends took sides, fights broke out, and a community was divided. Even with all the WWII books I have read, I struggle with the idea that a choice of religion is a reason not to like someone. Yet, this is entirely what the late 30’s early 40’s was about, all over the world.

Genevieve Graham told the story of what Max, his friends, and Molly’s brothers saw after enlisting in careful detail that brought the battlefields to life. The horror, the injuries, and the loss of lives were unthinkable, yet these brave heroes did what they had to just to keep alive. I liked that those who came home were able to tell their stories.

Letters Across the Sea is an amazing story giving an unique look at a time when everyone had an opinion and the world was at war. I recommend picking up your own copy.

Inspired by a little known chapter in Canadian history Letters Across the Sea is a wonderful historical fiction set in 1930s and WWII.

Molly a Protestant girl and her neighbor Max who is Jewish get caught in the antisemitism sweeping through Toronto in 1933. After the Christie Pitts riot their families are never the same. As WWII starts and Molly's brothers all enlist, one of her brothers and Max end up in Hong Kong together while Molly's made her dreams come true of being a journalist.

This was such a well written and researched historical fiction! The authors not at the end was one of the best I've ever seen and she went into such detail about the events described in this book. I don't know much Canadian history and I found this book fascinating!

"I seemed to witness more prejudice by the day."

Sadly that sentence has just as much meaning today as it did in the 1930s. The beautifully written Letters Across The Sea by the esteemed Genevieve Graham demonstrates with perfect descriptive prose the destructiveness of prejudice in our lives.

In the early 1930s Irish high schooler Molly's best friend Hannah and her handsome brother Max are Jewish and Molly thought "who cares." Unfortunately everyone seem to care in Toronto.

I had no idea that in Canada there has been a violent ethnic riot in 1933 known as the Christie Pit riots. The author recreates the tensions between Jewish citizens and everyone else who blamed them for the financial depression at the time. Of course this prejudice was fueled by the Nazi rhetoric spreading across the seas.

After the riot, which has disastrous results for Molly and Max, the story jumps to 1939. Canada is sending soldiers to Hong Kong to protect it from the Japanese. They are ill prepared and those who live are forced into sadistic POW camps where there is no humanity to be found. Max is there.

Molly, now a reporter, thinks Max is dead and tries to move on with her life. Molly covers the horrors of WWII but always hopes for peace. Her and Max are on different journeys yet their memories of innocent times are very much the same. Maybe, just maybe, the world will be kind and love will prevail for them.

I learned so much history from this book. I never realize how much Canadians sacrificed during this era. The author's notes at the end are essential reading as is this whole book. I was startled when I finished and felt the tears streaming down my face. It is a testament to the writer's creative talent and it is why I love historical fiction.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #Netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am still relatively new to the historical fiction genre and with each book I read...I learn more than I ever thought possible. There is so much out there that we never learn in history classes. This is one subject I know I never read about.

I know this is fiction but with historical fiction there is truth within the pages. I will never understand how people can treat others with so much hate and misplaced anger. However, despite the painful setting, the writing and the story of Molly and Max had me captivated. So much so I literally lost hours as I was drawn into their lives and their love.

This is one of those books that is hard to review. How do you review something that covers such a horrific time in history? And daresay you loved the book at the same time? I guess it comes down to this...Was I touched? Immensely. Did my heart break open? More than once. Were my emotions all over the place? Very much so. Would I recommend this one? Most definitely.

I sincerely appreciate NetGalley for providing me a copy of this E-Book. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

Haunting Story of Toronto From Depression Through WWII
This is a well-researched piece of historical fiction. It covers, or touches on; living through The Great Depression, the anti-semitism of the age, slanted journalism, and the Canadian troops sent to Hong Kong who became Japanese prisoners of war. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the story of two families through all of this. It is not a dark story but does tell some hard truths. This is an incredibly important story to tell. As The Greatest Generation passes on, it is up to us to tell and remember their stories. This book does a fine job of that. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work! I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I loved this book! I love most WW2 historical fiction. But I especially love the ones that are also based in truth. Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham, is based Toronto, Canada and Hong Kong. It starts during the Depression, and continues until after WW2. Molly Ryan and her family are Protestants and Molly's beat friend Hannah Dreyfus and her family are Jewish. Their families have always been friends. But things get tough during the Depression. Molly is working to bring home money for the family, all of the family chip in to make ends meet. Molly's favorite thing is to watch her brothers and Hannah's brother playing baseball. But as the Depression starts to ease a little, the hatred towards Jewish people starts to heat up....even in Toronto. And one night at one of the baseball games both Hannah and Molly's friendship is forever changed. This book has a little of everything... Romance, War, Fighting and Family. Like with everyone during that time, The War changed everything for everyone, and all everyone wants is for things to get back to the way they used to be...

Genevieve Graham did impeccable research on this part of the world and how things were during the war. This isn't your typical WW2 Historical Fiction book and it really resonated with me.

So yourself a favor...read this book and don't forget to read the Author Note at the end...for me it made the book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster, and Genevieve Graham for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I will be buying this book so I can have it for my own collection.

This story begins in a modest Canadian town where a favorite pastime is for families to gather and cheer on their favorite baseball teams. The hateful murmurings from abroad arrive and the community falters. Specifically, two families who have lived across the street from one another and the children have been close friends all their lives. Hate dictates that they question everything they’ve always known, and some make regretful choices with life changing consequences. What a blessing it is that some awaken to the errors of their ways and find a way to apologize and know their apology accepted before it’s too late.

In my opinion this book reads primarily as a love story. The historical fiction portion of it felt more like scenery — descriptions of time and place for a nice backdrop that will keep historical fiction readers interested. The soldier’s letters home, the battles, and the homecoming portrayals of the wounded soldiers were written in a very believable way as were the stories told (via main characters newspaper reports) of the POW conditions abroad and for the Japanese in Canada.

Thank you to #Netgalley, #SimonAndSchusterCanada, and #GenieveGraham for the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very moving, insightful and historic novel. I became enmeshed in the storyline, following the characters through a horrible time in our world's history, WWII. While I was familiar with history, I wasn't aware that Toronto, Canada had a large Jewish population, and how affected they were by the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during that time.

The story follows Max, a Jewish boy, and Molly, his across the street neighbor and childhood friend. She was friends with his sister, the whole family, really, until the anti-Jewish sentiment caused her father to forbid Molly to associate with them. When Max went to war, Molly's parents burned his farewell letter.

Life goes on for Molly, she goes to school for journalism, lands a job and starts dating Ian, a man her family approves of. Molly's brothers, who also enlisted, are either lost or terribly wounded, and nothing is heard from Max. Molly eventually gets engaged to Ian, and they plan a Christmas wedding.

That's as far as I'll go, I don't write spoilers. This book will make you think, reflect and probably cry...but its worth it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

It’s been a while since I’ve read historical fiction and I don’t think I’ve ever read an account like this. I was unfamiliar with the history of Canadian soldiers during WWII, particularly what they faced in Japan . Graham goes into great detail describing the horrific experiences for many of the soldiers and sensitively portrays the damage and hurt brought back by those soldiers that returned home.

In addition to details from the battlefield, Graham expertly establishes the tension and changes that happened at home during the war. Budding romances are forbidden, friendships damaged neighbors turn against each other - all because one family is Protestant and the other Jewish.

It’s hard to say I liked a book about the horrors of war, but this book is about so much more: community, family, forgiveness, love. I would definitely recommend this to fans of historical fiction and those looking for a different perspective on WWII.

I have read a lot of books about WWII, but never one from a Canadian perspective or about the battles in Japan. Ms. Graham weaves together a beautifully written story with some exceptional characters in Molly and Max. Childhood friends growing up in Toronto when the depression and then war break out. It’s an endearing story of love and loss, friendship and taking care of each other.

Inspired by a little-known chapter of World War II history, a young Protestant girl Molly, her Jewish neighbour Max, and their families are caught up in the terrible wave of hate sweeping the globe. I really liked the historical aspect of this book! It's based on true events that happened in Toronto before and during WW2.
I also like Molly. She's a strong-willed, determined and hopeful young woman who's certain of what she wants and willing to sacrifice for her loved ones.
The title is misleading. There are only two letters discussed in the book. While life-changing and impactful, the letters play a small role in the overall story.
I'm not a fan of the romance. But I do like the focus on true, sacrificial love that the family members show toward their loved ones who return from war with physical and emotional scars.
This book made me laugh and cry. It's heartbreaking and patriotic.

I enjoyed the different view presented with this book. Normally the focus is very much on Germany and what happened there. There is nothing wrong with that, but I loved that the author brought focus to what happened in Japan and the issues that were happening with hatred for Jews in Northern America. I think sometimes the author got bogged down trying to give us too much information about the war, it was often distracting from the story, but all in all it was well written and I enjoyed the characters.

I enjoy how historical fiction offers the reader the opportunity to learn more about a distant era while still enjoying a story line, and the chance to feel immersed in this history. I had never read a book by Canadian author Genevieve Graham, but she is certainly on my radar now as an exciting writer of historical fiction. Her passion for her subject was evident throughout the book!

The author gently introduces us to the characters. It is the Depression era and in Toronto Molly has had to quit school to work and bring in more money for the family. Her father is a policeman but his salary does not cover everything they need. Molly's best friend is Hannah, who lives across the street. Hannah's family is a little better off as her father owns a clothing factory. Molly, her four brothers, and parents are Protestant and Hannah, her brother Max, and parents are Jewish but this has never come between them. But insidious things are beginning to happen in Europe. Signs saying "Jews not welcome" are popping up on some shop windows in Toronto. This part of the book builds slowly, but this is good as it show how people can accept these prejudices and be influenced by them. Molly and Max have always been sweet on each other, but they will be torn apart by a cataclysmic event that actually happened at a baseball field in Toronto. It will change the relationship between the two families, and it will end the budding relationship between Molly and Max.

Before long war comes to Canada. All of Molly's brothers and Max and some of his friends are sent overseas. Some go to Europe, but some end up in Hong Kong. The author writes of a little know war event that happened in Hong Kong when untrained Canadian troops were made to fight with seasoned Japanese soldiers, to huge losses. The author gave a lot of detail to the battle and the conditions in the prison camps and although I thought I knew quite a bit before, I came away much better informed. The author takes her time to spin out the horrors of war, as well as how life is hard for those family left behind in Canada. When the war eventually ends we see experiences of how hard it was for some of the soldiers to assimilate after the horrors of war. This is something we know about today, but my own father was a victim of "the wall of silence" men were expected to put up about the horrors of WWII.

At the end of the book the author explained how she learned about several of the experiences she highlighted in her book. I loved that she incorporated these real life events into her story and made them real to me, by having her characters live through them. One of my favorite true aspects to her story was the story of Sergeant Gander, a Newfie dog that was a real life hero.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this book, and also to the author Genevieve Graham and publisher Simon & Schuster.

This book was excellent. I love historical fiction books that teach me about not-well-known battles, and this did all that and more. I appreciated the Canadian viewpoint, as most (all?) WWII stories I read involve the U.S. military. I also enjoyed the connection of Gander, Newfoundland, and kept thinking back to the book "The Day the World Came to Town" re: the 9/11 attacks. Ms. Graham did her research, and it shows beautifully. I loved that Molly pursued her reporting dreams and wrote the viewpoint that wasn't always encouraged. The ending was perfect. This will be at the top of my WWII recommendations list.

Using two strong characters in May and Molly, Graham has shined a light on a chapter in Canadian history with which I was unfamiliar. Spanning from 1933 through WWII, it's the tale of two families, one Protestant and one Jewish, who are linked through their children. Molly falls in love with her BFF Hannah's brother Max, a medical student, as teens but antisemitism and WWII intervene in their romance. She's got four brothers, who all serve in the Canadian armed forces, as does Max, while she becomes a journalist. No spoilers from me, especially wrt to Max, who is sent to Hong Kong. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I always learn something from Graham's novels and this was no exception (be sure to read the afterword), even though this time she's baring some ugliness in Canada's past. The title is a tad deceptive as there are only a few letters but no matter- it's a very good read that will have you rooting for Max, Molly, Hannah, and the rest.

Set to post April 26, 2021 at The Good, the Bad and the Unread
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Sandy M’s review of Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham
Historical Fiction published by Simon & Schuster 27 Apr 21

Of all Genevieve Graham’s books so far, this is the most poignant and emotional, and that’s saying something, considering how she brings Canadian history to life once again, giving readers fresh eyes through those of the strong and intriguing characters she conjures, to teach us all not just history, but also how to be human and flawed, as well as survivors.

I won’t go through the friendships and relationships of the Ryan and Dreyfus families during the years of World War 2, since it is described very well in the blurb below. Suffice it to say that those connections are pulled so very tight once the war is under way and Hitler’s horrible influence makes its way to Toronto, where these folks have been neighbors for years. Suddenly the growing attraction between Molly, an Irish Protestant, and Max, a Jew, is frowned upon. It’s especially disheartening when it’s Molly’s father warning her to stay away from Max, saying it’s safer for her. That may well be true, but I so love Molly’s humanness and her refusal to look at Max and his family any differently than she had before. Her desire to be a journalist is the perfect occupation for her, wanting to share all sides of any story, her fairness in a world gone mad a beautiful thing to see.

Little by little those discriminating signs, “No Jews Allowed” and others of that ilk, begin to creep into businesses in town. Scuffles ensue where they would never have happened before. Then the hideousness of those who have hidden their prejudices all along rears its ugly head, leaving injury and more hatred in their wake. Ms. Graham pulls no punches when it comes to describing the Christie Pitts riot, the deadliest in Canadian history, leaving no one unscathed, including the reader, during one of the world’s worst times in history.

As well, the horror Canada’s soldiers of WW2 go through when in the hands of the Japanese during the Battle of Hong Kong will leave you nearly as scarred as those men who eventually do return home, putting an end to their families’ torment of not knowing their loved ones’ fates. That includes those who love Max, having no word of him for years, everyone thinking the worst. Old wounds are finally healed, but what an ordeal to go through, especially when it’s at the hands and hatred of someone a world away. Ms. Graham, as usual, puts faces and voices to historical facts that make them come alive every time.

Don’t let this book pass you by. In our day and age when we are experiencing remnants of such ugliness like this in the world, this story is so very relevant. I can guarantee you will close the book as a changed person.

Grade: A

I fell in love with Genevieve Graham's writing when I read THE FORGOTTEN HOME CHILD. I was so excited when she shared little tidbits along her journey of writing and publishing LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA. I had high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint.

Graham's characters are always so carefully crafted. I so enjoyed watching Molly and Max grow up in this novel. They were both so intelligent and driven and yet still flawed enough to gain my sympathy.

Maybe my favorite thing about reading Genevieve Graham's books is that I learn so much. She's a Canadian author and so Canadian history is pretty unfamiliar to me anyway, but I know that she digs into little-known historical events and makes them come to life. Her writing is so rich in details and cultural significance!

This book contained something for everyone- romance, war, family drama, cultural clashes, and loads of historical information. I give it a hearty 5 stars and anxiously await the next masterpiece that Genevieve Graham produces for us!

This book will be available from your favorite bookseller on April 27. I was given an advance copy courtesy of NetGalley and Simon & Schuster in exchange for my unbiased review.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this historical fiction about Canada during the Second World War.

The story was slow reading for me. The story had Romeo and Juliet vibes where both families were opposed to the romance.

Genevieve Graham’s Letters Across the Sea is a engrossing and educational look at little-known Canadian history. In her detailed “A Note to Readers,” Graham reveals the curiosity and creativity behind her historical fiction novels: “What I love most about writing historical fiction is the ability to take something ordinary, like a black and white photo, and make it into something extraordinary.“ After mentioning a plaque commemorating a 1933 Toronto riot that figures in this novel, she continues: “I like to think about what’s behind that plaque. About why it was put there. I love to bring that story to life, so it sticks in people’s minds long after they’ve walked away.”

Letters Across the Sea opens in 1933 as many Toronto families cope with low paying jobs, unemployment, and limited food budgets. Molly Ryan, an excellent high school student with a love of literature, drops out of school to help support her large Irish family, and one by one her brothers do the same.

With Hitler’s rise to power in Germany, anti-Jewish sentiment increases in Toronto. “No Jews” signs crop up on businesses and at the beach; universities impose quotas on the number of Jewish students they will admit. A Swastika Club forms to keep the beach free of human “trash,” and Molly’s older brother Richie joins. Tensions rise between Molly’s family and her best friend Hannah Dreyfus’ family as Hannah’s older brother Max and Molly are drawn to together by shared interests and physical attraction. After a riot breaks out at a baseball game, circumstances force Molly and Max apart, but Max has inspired Molly to work toward new career goals.
As years pass, many of the Toronto boys- including Molly’s brothers, Max, and Max’s friends--enlist in various branches of the military and some are sent to Europe to fight Hitler’s forces. AS Graham’s “Notes” reveal, she initially planned to send Max to Dieppe, where more than half of the Allied troops died, were wounded, or were captured when invading German-occupied France. Instead, she took a less traveled path, sending Max and several others first to Gander, Newfoundland and then to Hong Kong where they are told they would perform only duties on base and not engage in combat. Then, unexpectedly, the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, and Hong Kong within a matter of hours. Her choice provides an welcome change from the many WWII novels set in Europe.

Much of the story remains.

To tell her story, Graham alternates chapters between Molly and Max, keeping readers wanting to know what happens to each as they become involved in portions of WWII history not yet mentioned in this review. Maps of Toronto and Hong Kong help readers visualize locations and events.

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Genevieve Graham for the advance reader copy of this highly recommended novel. I look forward to Graham’s next work.