I received this advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I found this novel interesting but unfortunately I couldn't find much to engage me about the protagonist and their family. I was sympathetic to their plight, but didn't get interested despite reading more than 30%. I'm a fan of Heather B. Moore so this was a bit of a disappointment.

Aleksandra/ Ola S
11:23 (0 minutes ago)
to me

Heather B. Moore's “Under the Java Moon”offers a captivating exploration of the often-overlooked history of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) during the harrowing years of the Japanese occupation in World War II (1941-1945), shedding light on a chapter of history rarely taught. This poignant true story revolves around the resilient Vischer family and their neighbors, the Hollands, as they navigate the horrors of life under Japanese rule. At its heart is the remarkable journey of six-year-old Rita Vischer.

What sets this book apart is the meticulous research that Heather B. Moore poured into it. Each chapter begins with a quote from a real survivor, immersing readers in the authenticity of the era. The book also includes Rita Vischer Elliot's personal reflections in her own words, providing a powerful connection to history.

Through the perspectives of different Vischer family members, “Under the Java Moon” paints a vivid portrait of their experiences. The meticulously crafted setting and rich historical details make this World War II historical fiction novel stand out.

Heather B. Moore's writing is marked by a tender touch, infusing the narrative with a sense of compassion. “Under the Java Moon” is a compelling and heartfelt addition to the WWII historical fiction genre, offering readers a unique perspective on a lesser-known part of history.

Thank you to @netgalley @shadowmountainpub and @authorhbmoore for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh wow, where do I even begin? I guess at the beginning.

I was listening to All In, the podcast, and one of the episodes had Marie Vischer Elliott on as a guest. Her story brought me to tears, so of course I had to read Under the Java Moon. I was lucky enough to get an arc and I can't help but think Heather B. Moore was the perfect author to bring Rita's story to life.

The amount of research and care she put into the book was evident by the introduction, historical timeline and character chart, and later the afterword, chapter notes and bibliography. Each chapter also started with a quote from a survivor, and by reading them you could see exactly how well Moore worked those details into the story.

Before reading the book (technically, before listening to the podcast), I had no idea internment camps existed on that side of the world, let alone that Dutch people were forced into them.

Which is why I think the existence of this book is very much needed in the world, to help shine a light on lesser known historical events (and survivor memoirs).

I know some of my friends don't like reading about wars, or WW2 in particular, but I'd still recommend Under the Java Moon to them because Moore's writing isn't only beautiful, but also approachable.

It grips you from the moment you start the book and makes you feel as if you're really there, living through all of these sad and sometimes happy moments with the characters.

The characters felt like real people, which they were, but what I mean is the author managed to capture their personalities perfectly even though the bulk of what she had to go on was Rita's memories and George's articles. But it felt as if she sat down to speak with everyone who was featured in the book, their voices were that vivid.

Speaking of sitting down, I saw that the author did an interview with Rita the other day, and I'm going to check it out when I finish writing my review. I'm also planning on getting a physical copy, because this one of those books you have to reread.

I also appreciate that we saw good and bad people on all sides, like the Japanese guards who were kind even when they had orders to fulfil. It shows that even in the darkest times some people are still human.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Such a moving story! These stories always hit me in the feels. I love learning little know stories in history! The resilience of the human spirit has no bounds. When people are put into difficult or life threatening situations, for the most part, people dig deep and do what needs to be done. I loved this story and the inspiration that it brings to those who read it and dare to remember the strength of humans!

Emotional, heart wrenching, quietly triumphant. I love the way Heather Moore brings history to life. Based on the true story of Marie (Rita) Vischer Elliott, Under the Java Moon shares the gripping account of the Japanese invasion of Java Island through the eyes of five year old Rita, her mother Marie, & father George. It’s a WWII story that’s never been told & in a location rarely discussed. It’s a powerful story that’ll touch your heart & leave you hopeful.

Rita & her family moved to Java Island for her father’s naval work. At that time, Indonesia was occupied by the Dutch & known as the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). When the allies declared war on Japan, the NEI did too. As war comes to Indonesia, Rita experiences its terrible effects first hand as she witnesses bombings, the invasion, beatings, once friendly neighbors becoming enemies, & is eventually sent to Tjideng camp with her pregnant mother, her Oma, & brother. Her father George was on a mission to join the allies in Australia when his boat was torpedoed. He survived but endures the most awful circumstances until he’s eventually captured & sent to an internment camp.

Rita experiences fear, starvation, & the brutalities of war in the internment camp. Though at times hard to read, I appreciated the resilience of Rita & her family mainly due to her mother’s hopefulness. She’s a quiet strength through it all. What little Rita endured was unimaginable, yet the author takes care to never be overly graphic. Don’t miss Rita’s letter at the end. It brought me to tears. She never spoke of the war until now, & her story needs to be told. It’ll tug on your heartstrings & make you hope we learn from the past & never repeat it.

The audiobook version is fantastic! The narrator is brilliant and really brings this story to life.

Highest of recommendations for this book! It’s a must read and beautiful tribute to a remarkable woman. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

What's better than a novel by Heather Moore? A historical novel by Heather Moore! Not only tremendously entertaining but so educational, as well. For instance, while I consider myself to be a history buff, this part of the war was completely foreign to my knowledge of it.

NetGalley provided me with an early edition of this (thank you), but the date of publication they gave was Sept 9, so I waited too long to start on it. When I did, I thought I'd just read a little, then take my time with the rest (since I thought I had five days), but I'm telling you, once you start this story, you won't be putting it down any time soon! You've often heard that truth is stranger than fiction; well, it can be much sadder, also. This was such an emotional read!

The Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies during WWII separates the Vischer family, forcing pregnant Mary and her 2 small children into the Tjident women's camp. Husband George is somewhere on the Java Sea in a in a minesweeper that is sunk, leaving him in a dinghy. The struggle for survival is well presented in this novel of Indonesia and the effects of WWII on its inhabitants. Recommended reading.

I read alot of WWII historical fiction.. but reading this book regarding WWII, but at the time the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and how that affected the Javanese and the Indonesians was quite extraordinary! I loved the quote made about Human Resiliency!

Unique, impactful, true story. You have probably read a lot of books about WWII and know about concentration camps, but did you know Hitler wasn’t the only one using them? This is the first time I had heard of the Japanese internment camps for blonde-haired blue-eyed people with Dutch ancestry living in Indonesia. Even better, this is a true story. The author interviewed the main character who was a child at the time of the camps and helps her get the experience in writing. The most touching part is the Afterword at the end written by Rita herself.

Rita’s parents George and Mary have a deep love for each other and their children, are incredibly courageous, and determined to survive the war and be together again. Unfortunately, all isn’t well when the war ends because some of the Indonesians turn against the Dutch and it isn’t safe for them to leave. Almost overnight the Japanese switched from holding them prisoner to guarding them in the camp from violent mobs outside. Those who had been friends became enemies and those who were enemies became protectors.

I liked that the author gives a lot of information and detail, but not about the violence. The overall feeling is hopeful rather than depressing. I highly recommend this very moving story. It will make an impact on you and help you realize what is truly important in life and how much you have. 5 stars! Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

Wow! Talk about a powerful book. Under the Java Moon is based on a true story during WWII on the Indonesian island of Java. The book follows a Dutch family in concentrations camps and facing countless other trials. Heather B. Moore did a really great job making this story come to life. The added details and conversations of things that could have happened really made the story and characters come to life for me, while still having a lot of fact throughout. This was a really well done book that helps us remember how precious life is and how we can all treat each other in a kinder way.

I love the cover of this book; the photo does not do it justice--it's so beautiful in person. Inside its pages is an amazing story of a family's survival in Japanese interment camps on Java Island during WWII. This is the story of Mary and George Vischer, their two small children: five year old Marie (called Rita) and three year old Georgie, Mary's mother Maria (aka Oma), and their experiences under the rule of the Japanese military.

I love Heather B. Moore's historical fiction. One reason is because she's meticulous in her research of the subject and talks to the people she's writing about. She spent time speaking with and interviewing Marie Vischer Elliott, learning of her experiences. Another reason I love her historical fiction is I always learn things I didn't know. Before reading this book I knew nothing about WWII and the Dutch East Indies and the horrors its people went through.

These women and children were prisoners of war in their own country and I felt so many emotions reading their amazing story. I was frightened for them, shocked at the treatment they received at the hands of others and utterly amazed how they kept going day after day. I loved that the author included some happy parts in the story--games the children played, items they could play with made with things available to them, such as tin cans and twine or rope. Their indominable spirits astounded me. This is truly an inspiring story that I recommend to everyone. Thank you Marie Vischer Elliott for telling your story.

Content: wartime type of violence/actions (abuse, disease, death, shootings, etc)--not overly graphic and the author handles it in a sensitive way. I would let my teenage grandchildren read this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

I finished reading this book and had tears rolling down my cheeks. Then I continued to read the author's note, a note from Marie Elliott (Elliott is her married name-her nickname is Rita which I'll use to refer to her throughout the rest of the review) about sharing her story and chapter notes. With my heart full of the story I had just finished and reading these personal thoughts, I couldn't help but feel so strongly for the pain and struggles and sorrows and heartache and loss and so much more. But honestly, what really touched my heart more was the focus on the good and happy. Even though it is not the initial focus, I loved near the end of the book and Rita hearing her mom talk about the good and not focusing on all the hardships everyone endured. It was such a beautiful thing that really hit my heart and induced the tears to come down my cheeks. Most people aren't going to ignore the hard and focus on the good. But to see someone who endured horrific circumstances talking about the joys, just touched my heart.

I hope that you pick up this book. I hope you see the hard. I hope you understand the importance of history being studied and learned about so that we don't repeat it over and over again. Unfortunately it is repeated. There are characters that are portrayed in this book who are so awful and do horrific things. And then there are the characters in this book portraying real people, who had a heart and were humane. I hope and pray we all can be that way when push comes to shove. That we see the humanity in each other and take care to preserve that!

Rita was 5 to 6 years old when the Japanese Occupation in Indonesia on the Java island began. She was 9 when she left the internment camp. Thinking about what her and countless other children witnessed is heartbreaking. But the resilience and strength that they showed was incredible. All of those who went through this, I can't imagine the lasting toll that takes on their bodies and minds.

The story is told through the point of view of Rita, Marie (her mom) and George (her dad). It was very eye opening! I have a friend who's family lived through the Japanese Occupation in a different location and their experiences are similar but different in that they weren't in an internment camp. But the terror and fear were just as strong and real.

Yes, this is an emotionally evoking book, but it is one that I highly recommend you read if you can. If you get the chance, the author Heather B. Moore did an interview with Rita on the morning of this book's release. You can see it on a Facebook page under this book's title or the author's Facebook page. It was so very interesting. I loved hearing Rita's perspective and her goodness. Go watch it!

Content: This book has war related elements in it. Bombings, battles, starvation, beatings, brutal conditions, imprisionment, and such. Even with all of these elements I felt like it was clean and that the author did it in a very sensitive way but realistic as well. I would let me teenagers read this book.

I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Not just another WWII book. This novel follows the Vischer family in the Netherlands East Indies during WWII. Stunningly researched and based on a true story the atrocities of the internment camp that all Dutch citizens were forced into was almost beyond belief. The conditions these people were forced to live in is beyond imagining. I highly recommend what I believe is a very important part of history. May we always find a way for good to overcome evil.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early read of this book

I always know I can count on Heather B. Moore to deliver an incredibly touching story about a little known historical event.

Maybe it's just me, but I didn't know much about the WWII effects in the Dutch East Indies and I felt all the emotions while reading this book. Based on the true story of Rita Vischer's family, I was appalled, shocked, and heartbroken by the devastating and terrifying events that occurred on and around the island of Java in the 1940s, yet I also found a thread of incredible resilience and hope permeating these pages.

The horrors of war are sometimes hard to read about, but I loved how these people had such a strong will and desire to not only live, but to thrive in the best way they could. It made me take a step back and evaluate my own life: what is truly important? What really matters? How can I work with those around me to ease and life burdens, both physical and emotional? I feel these are the best reasons why these kinds of stories should be shared and read. They help us remember and reshift our focus.

I was deeply touched by this book and I'm so grateful for a change to learn more about this piece of history.

Content: wartime type of violence/actions (abuse, disease, death, shootings, etc)--not overly graphic

I love learning about lesser known aspects of WWII. I knew there was a war going on with Japan, but so much emphasis is placed on the fighting in Europe. I haven't heard much about the war going on in the Pacific. I enjoyed reading this book and the new perspective and knowledge it gave me. Yes, it was a hard topic to read about, but I felt Mrs. Moore did a good job of letting know how bad it was without going into some of the really horrible details. I am amazed at these people who went through so much and then when one war was ending another one was beginning. How terrifying. I am glad that Rita decided to share her story so we could better understand what others go through and to count out blessings.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Under the Java Moon by Heather B. Moore is a deeply meaningful and insightful story, based on true events in WWII. The stories of George, Mary, and Rita, a Dutch family living in Java when Japan invades and occupies their home are poignant, powerful, and an experience to be shared. Three different perspectives weave together to tell a tale of how one family survived being in prison camps in the very worst of conditions. The indomitable human spirit and the will to survive is captured beautifully. I truly enjoyed reading each of their perspectives and the ways they fought to survive. Their experience was shared with dignity, respect, and a good dose of awe.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely own, freely given.

“It was a sight that Mary knew would be imprinted on her mind forever. Her little girl, helping her brother and grandmother after a long night of terror. In this moment, humanity still existed. Among the muddy dirt, the pulsing fear, the new and old bruises, the empty stomachs . . . compassion still bloomed. Now if it would spread to the rest of the world.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heather B. Moore is the master at finding lesser known stories in history and weaving an enthralling tale that a reader can’t put down. I loved this story about a family in Japanese concentration camps and how they found hope to keep going even when they were separated, surrounded by terror and starving. It was beautifully written.

I had not read the description of this book prior to reading it. Heather B Moore is an automatic read for me. I have loved all of her books so when I saw this one I grabbed it. I assumed it was something to do with World War II but I had no idea of the conflict that went on around the Indonesian islands. Learning about the Dutch people, that had lived in this area, and the trials that they went through was a great lesson in history. After Pearl Harbor was hit and the Japanese invaded the Dutch people were put into concentration camps. These people had to overcome many obstacles and trials. What they went through was heart wrenching. I love their strength, their commitment and determination to survive. I am grateful for authors, that study, research and delve into the sorted details to help us grow and learn to have more compassion and love for our fellow human beings I can only hope that we can learn from the past so we hopefully we will not repeat those devastating times. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is enlightening and powerful. Heather brings to life a full sensory experience of what people went through in Indonesia during World War II. I especially loved how each chapter is written along the same timeline but from different perspectives of the mother, the father, and their daughter. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter from eye witnesses offer even more insight into what was happening from a first hand encounter. The way this book is written keeps the reader close to the story. No details are left out.. Even the nuances, such as the Dutch government contracting with opium factories for distilled water, a vital component for the submarines to process salt water, was included.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending this electronic book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I cannot say enough about Under the Java Moon. It is not an easy read, nor should it be. The subject matter is one that is tough. This is a well researched story and it is based on a real family just trying to survive the unthinkable.

Heather Moore brings to light a part of the war that most people don’t know about. I know I didn’t. I found myself emotionally moved by their journey. I felt their sorrows, I was angry on their behalf, and I felt the joy, bittersweet as it was at times.

If you are a student of history, this is a must read. It adds the human experience. I also thoroughly enjoyed the afterward, written by the subject of this story.

History is one of those things that needs to be shown raw in all its flawed experience. This book does just that.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.