I love a good historical fiction, and this one was sooo good. A gorgeous and sometimes brutal portrayal of the realities of life during WWII, it is both heart wrenching and hopeful, and I would highly recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars!

I loved Stephanie Morrill's book The Lost Girl of Astor Street and looked forward to this book for ages - to be fair, I felt it was nothing like TLGOAS but I'm very glad I read it. It seemed very well researched, and I appreciated the historical look into one of the Japanese internment camps of World War II.

Told in split narrative, we're able to catch glimpses of two sides of the dividing lines. This hard hitting topic was carried tactfully by a sweet and passionate love story of two teens caught in the thick of it all. It helped that Evalina came from an Italian family, and that she was not completely free from the stigma and prejudice that was rampant at the time, as this helped to bridge the chasm between her and Taichi. And the fact that Evalina stayed committed to Taichi even when she had other options or when it would have been easier to walk away makes this story just that much better. It's equal parts hopeful and horrifying, which made it impossible not to feel deeply as our two narrators undertook their journeys through the societal landscape of California following the bombing of Pearl Harbour. 

It was painful to see the quiet acquiescence with which many families went to the Manzanar camp simply because they were asked to, the cruelness with which the Japanese were treated even when they were clearly causing no harm, and the ways in which the citizens who were willing to speak out against these injustices were treated in turn. It made perfect sense that Evalina connected with the church group, that she decided to take up a male-dominated field of study at university, and that her advocacy efforts continued on campus.

Taichi showed a different kind of strength and offered the perfect balance to Evalina's stubborn and headstrong ways. He is quiet and contemplative, worried about disappointing his family, and always careful not to make waves. And though it broke my heart to read, I appreciated how he tried to protect Evalina from the reality of what he and his family were enduring. Also, I was completely undone by lengths he went through to protect and support his sister, provide for his mother, and eventually the steps that he took to keep the peace within the camp when tensions began to rise.

While there is a small amount of action, Within These Lines is driven by string characters, flawless research, and an exquisite attention to detail which brings all of the pieces together. Not only are Taichi and Evelina sweet and relatable, they are supported by a cast of excellent secondary characters. It's beautifully written, highly emotive, and absolutely breathtaking.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!

A fresh perspective on the Japanese lives that were upended here in the US during WWII. The story follows Taichi (2nd generation Japanese) and Evalina (2nd generation Italian), teenagers living in San Francisco that fall in love. Taichi and his family are sent to the camps for Japanese Americans.

The writing is solid, even if the ending is a little pat. The true hardship of living in these camps is shown, and nothing is glossed over. Morrill gives us a strong female protagonist in Evalina; a girl that is in love, but is also strong and independent and righteous.

A strong historical fiction that will make romance readers happy as well.

I am a huge fan of the wave of books for young people coming out about Japanese internment camps (Dash by Kirby Larson, The War Outside by Monica Hesse). This is such an important historical issue that tends to get overlooked in literature, even with World War II making up the bulk of historical fiction. I thought this one was a great contribution to the growing collection, reminiscent of Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet in that it features a mixed-race romance torn apart by the evacuation. Between These Lines is unique to the YA canon in that it depicts the effects of internment both inside and outside of the camps. I especially loved the mixed civilian reactions we see through Evalina's eyes, from college professors to church volunteers. I also love how this one discusses race, comparing the conflation of Japanese citizens to the Japanese army to conflating the Germans with all white Americans, since they're all Caucasian. A lot of the literature focuses (rightly so) on the injustice of the internment and the camps' conditions, but this is the best fiction example I've come across in tearing apart any logic used to justify internment in the first place. The novel also really fleshes out the dehumanizing aspects of the internment camps.

I thought the main characters in the book were well fleshed out and believable (I was really interested in Rose and her character arc in particular). Evalina is written just shy of being an obnoxious soapboxer, but instead she comes across as sympathetic. Her sidekick Gia is the one unbelievable character who got on my nerves, mostly because I couldn't understand why Evalina puts up with her, but her story line is also representative of a lot of young women's experiences during the war. Evalina and Taichi's romance, on the other hand, was sweet, believable, and not over-the-top, which I loved because romance in YA is almost always overbearing and hijacks the plot--not the case here. The ending was just a little too neat and tidy for me, but overall I loved it.

I find it hard to start. This book was an incredible story about two teenagers during World War II. You see how things unfold for these Italian-Americans, and Japanese-Americans. What fear and racism does to their victims. It was a really hard read for me emotionally. I struggle with those themes, but I want to make sure to give a hand to Stephanie who did a wonderful job of evoking such emotional response.

Within these Lines, by Stephanie Morrill, tells the compelling story of two teenagers very much in love. One is Italian-American and the other is Japanese-American. The bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan in December, 1941 catapulted the United States into World War II. Simultaneously, fear and racism combined to make anyone of Japanese descent, including American citizens, suspected of espionage and treachery. This entire population was evacuated from their homes and livelihoods to live in camps under horrific conditions. Morrill allows us to experience this awful period through the eyes of these two teens. How they and their families survive the evacuation is a story of character and love as well as hardship.

Morrill's eye for historical detail brings this story alive...from the mention of the saddle shoes and hairstyles to the radio news broadcasts, this story is filled with authenticity. The author gently reminds us that the treatment of the Japanese in America during the war is one of several episodes of sanctioned-racism in our history. May we not forget. I would recommend this book to middle and high school students whose teachers and parents can help them process the historic time period.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Within These Lines is a book that you need time to reflect on. This is not a book to read casually, it demands your attention. I received a free ARC of this book from Blink Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I almost put this book down after three chapters. I couldn't get past the main character's name being Taichi, which isn't a Japanese name. Instead of trying to rush to finish this book before the publication date, I decided that I'd pick it up once I was home for spring break. I needed that, and so did this book. I really loved this story of injustice that showed many viewpoints of what was going on. Despite taking place in the 1940s, this book is relevant today. Perfect for the people who loved Esperanza Rising as kids.

Beautifully written historical fiction story, from a somewhat dark period in history. Amazingly strong characters who were never meant to meet fall in love and are determined to be together. This is a book that I will never forget as it is so well-written and the love story is so absolutely haunting. A well-researched, well-written, beautiful yet tragic love story between a Japanese man and an Italian American woman. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come....

It is 1942 in California. The events at Pearl Harbor have just happened and America is on edge. In the midst of it all Taichi, a Japanese-American, is in love with Evalina, an Italian-American.

When Executive Order 9066 goes into effect requiring Japanese-Americans to evacuate to internment camps, Taichi and Evalina have already been seeing each other for months. But after Pearl Harbor, no one trusts anyone who even looks Japanese. It is more dangerous than ever for them to be together and more difficult. Taichi and his family are sent to Manzanar and the couple has to deal with long-distance in addition to everything else.

There is no shortage of historical fiction set during WWII, so it is difficult to stand out among the masses. Within These Lines succeeds at this, though, by shedding light on a lesser-known part of the war: Executive Order 9066, which allowed for the removal and internment of Japanese-Americans from the west coast after Pearl Harbor. Morrill has done her research and intersperses real events with her fictional characters.

Taichi and Evalina are flawed, but likable. Evalina is fiery and empathetic. She stands up for what is right even when it gets her in trouble. Taichi is more reserved, but puts others before himself. It is in this shared empathy and values that you can see why they work as a couple. You root for them and hope they can overcome all that is being thrown at them.

I liked that the story begins with them already an established couple. They talk about how they met and fell in love, but all of the action is when they are already together, which was unusual for a historical romance. I liked that, though, because you got to focus more on the historical backdrop and how its effects rippled throughout.

If you like historical fiction, this is a great addition to the genre.

**I received an e-ARC from Netgalley**

Soon after the attack of Pearl Harbor, life becomes much more difficult for teen Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki. Evalina and Taichi have been hiding their growing relationship since Taichi's family began delivering produce to Evalina's family's restaurant. Now, resentment for their Japanese- American neighbors are growning in California and talks of relocation centers are starting to arise. Taichi's family is preparing for the inevitable and unknown that awaits them at a War Relocation Center. Evalina is preparing for college without Taichi while wondering how her fellow Americans can be treated with such cruelty. When Taichi and his family are moved, Evalina is there. She continues to fight for the rights of her friends in the Relocation Center while Taichi struggles to navigate his new life.

Within These Lines is a heartfelt, emotional and enlightening World War II historical romance. I was very interested to read more about the US Internment Camps as this part of our history usually glossed over. Taichi and Evalina are amazing characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change through adversity. Evalina continued to fight for what she thought was right even though everyone had doubts about their relationship. Taichi continued to make the best out of his situation while continually thinking of Evalina's welfare and was willing to sacrifice for her. Through Taichi and Evalina's points of view, I was able to see how the Camps were portrayed from both sides. From Evalina I was able to see the propaganda that the government put out as well as the hatred and misunderstanding that quickly spread and the people who helped and fought for the rights of those interred. From Taichi and his family I was able to see the true conditions of the camps, the lack of adequate housing, food and sanitary facilities and the community that residents were able to form. I was surprised to read about the very real riots in the Manzanar Relocation Center that erupted between the residents. The ending wrapped up rather quickly and I would have loved to see more details of Evalina's and Taichi's romance and what they faced after the war. Overall, a very well researched and historically detailed sincere romance.


This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

I enjoy reading Historical Fiction, and WWII has always fascinated me. I appreciated the author bringing to light this lesser-known and heart-wrenching time in this period of American History and dealing with it with a sense of grace and gravity.

I liked that we were able to view this time from the perspective of a young, multi-racial couple. Evalina is Italian-American, Taichi is Japanese-American. I think because of that, we were able to see, even more clearly the struggles and prejudices these people were forced to face.

I liked Taichi. He was authentic and relatable. Even after being forced from his home and being made to live in terrible conditions, he (and his family) still maintained such a level of dignity and patriotism, and that made me really admire them. I’m glad the author allowed us to read from his POV and get a “first-hand” view of what life really might have been like in the Japanese-American Internment Camps.
(Note: I have always admired the Nissei that fought with such distinction in WWII, and I like that the author touched on them just a bit, even if I would have liked to read a bit more... 😉)

For some reason, though, I had a hard time connecting with Evalina. I understand her heartache and that there were so many horrible things happening that she was nearly powerless to change, but I would have liked to see more kindness and sincere fighting for the right thing, instead of blow-ups...

Overall, though, this was a really incredible book. I think I read it in about a day. 😂 I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did—truly a good read. I think it is so incredibly important that we as Americans take an honest look at our history and learn from it, so we do not repeat the same mistakes as those that went before.


Note: One thing Evalina repeatedly asks is why are the Japanese being interred and not the Italians and Germans. Well, there actually were Germans and Italians being put in camps as well during that time. Not quite as many as the Japanese, but it did happen to them as well. For the same reason—people were fearful that they would turn against their adopted country in support of their Native homeland

Italian American Evalina and Japanese American Taichi are dating. Their relationship is put to test when the U.S. government interns Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor. With Taichi in an internment camp, Evalina struggles to keep the relationship alive. Morrill wrote a powerful story that shows the impact of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II on an interracial couple. Evalina and Taichi is already a couple when the novel begins, albeit their relationship is kept a secret from both sets of parents. The novel alternates between Taichi's life inside Manzanar Relocation Center and Evalina's life outside of it. The book excels at showing what went on at Manzanar, particularly the tension between Japanese Americans who supported the United States's are effort and those who supported Japan's. Evalina and Taichi are the point of view characters but we also spend some time with their family and friends which makes their story feel more natural, although some readers may find one or both characters and their romance a little too "perfect." Highly recommended for libraries that want to build their young adult historical fiction collections.

Within the Lines may have been written for a young adult audience, but it is a story that will appeal to young adult and not-so-young adult readers alike. In saying that, I think this is a must-read for young adult readers in particular, because it is an eye-opening reminder of the pain and inhumanity people inflict on one another when they allow fear and anger to guide them. If we don’t teach the generations to come about these lesser-known parts of history, however shameful they may be, we doom them to make the same mistakes, and in Evalina and Taichi’s story, the shame of the past is couched in a story of determination, resilience, and a love that perseveres in spite of the obstacles in its path.

Evalina and Taichi both resonated with me for different reasons. Evalina is a young woman who knows her own mind and chafes against a world that doesn’t always see things the same way she does. As she says at one point, “My soul is so loud, it’s hard to keep the rest of me quiet.” Taichi is equally determined to help people see the truth, but his method is quiet compliance. Surely if they comply peacefully with the military evacuation order, the government will see that they pose no threat. But that optimism is shattered when they arrive at their new accommodation and realise just how much dignity they’ve lost in twenty-four hours.

Their story is told simply but beautifully, their struggles touching on some of the most foundational truths of what it means to be human. And there are some powerful quotes from the story that will stay with me:

“Shame has given birth to anger inside my chest, and there are precious few safe places for us to show our anger. To one another is the only one we have left.” (Taichi on the general atmosphere when they arrive at the military facility)

“As these rocks stay steady through season changes and time, so I will remain steady. I will not be silent. I will not let this go.” (Evalina)

“Change is a gradual thing. We have to chip away at the heart-heartedness of others and ourselves. We have to gradually open eyes, not just grab eyelids and yank them open.” (advice to Evalina)

“You have always excelled at fighting for others. But if you want to have the strength to continue to do so, you must value yourself enough to fight your own battles too.” (advice to Evalina)

If I were to voice just one complaint it would be that the story seemed to wrap up a little quickly, but even so, this is a story that will stay with me for some time.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This book made me angry and sad while giving me hope that American's can be better and do better!
I loved both Evalina and Taichi. I related to Evalina. In fact her being an Italian-American teenager is one of the things that drew me to the story, because I am also Italian-American. Her fiery, spunky personality is one of my favorite type of female character. I loved that she was a political science major, and one that went against the grain of political correctness and fought for the injustice done to Japanese-Americans.

Taichi was the sweetest. He has integrity, courage, and a heart for others. His care and concern for not only Evalina, and his family; but everyone at the camp, other families that rode the same bus to the Manzanar. There wasn't anyone he wouldn't help.

The story of these two young adults was raw, gritty, real, inspiring, and one I won't forget anytime soon. It depicts a horrible time in American history. One that I don't believe is talked about or even taught much. I don't remember learning much about this period of time in American history class. This is just one of many reasons I love historical fiction. No history class can teach us everything about each time period and historical fiction gives us a great story and a more personal view of history than any text book.

I highly recommend this book! I had a great opportunity to talk about this book with our server at a restaurant tonight and she was so interested in it she said she was going to get a copy!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in association with Just Read Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Haunting and evocative, Within These Lines tells the story of a young American couple separated by war and racism.

Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki's lives are changed forever with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Taichi and his family are sent away to Manzanar Internment Camp for the duration of the war, while Evalina must remain. Their love for each other is tested by distance, time, and the experiences that they each face.

Evalina is passionate and courageous, she doesn't back down when it comes to fighting for the one that she loves. Evalina is definitely determined, and when she sets her mind to something, it usually comes to pass. I admired how she didn't give up, through it all she put her head down and kept going.

Taichi has always been his family's "Good Boy" a good student and athlete, he works hard alongside his family on their farm. When he and his family are sent away to Manzanar he questions what his future will hold, and if he can ever overcome the things that he cannot change. Taichi isn't a complainer, but as unrest grows in the camp he must decide where his loyalties lie, and can he stand with a country that won't stand with him? I admired Taichi for his often quiet strength, his protectiveness and stubborn streak.

Overall, a compelling glimpse into the impact of the Japanese internment, and how it affected those within and out. A chilling read, that captures the raw emotion of the injustices suffered by many Japanese-Americans. I liked how it showed how we can love a country and not agree with everything it does, and deals with a difficult time in history. This not a popular subject matter, and I thought that the author did an excellent job of showing the varying sentiments within Manzanar and how people dealt with the internment differently. The camp is brought to life in stark, jarring detail, with only flashes of life outside brought to Taichi through letters. I liked how in the impact of the war is shown through Evalina and Taichi's peers, and the choices they make as well. This is a story that quietly grabbed me and didn't let me go till the last page, compelling, haunting, and thought-provoking, a worthy read that you won't want to miss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Within These Lines is a historical book that stole my heart. Historical is a genre that I don't read so much of, but this cover drew me in. I was quite surprised at how much the author made me feel. From happiness to tears. I enjoyed this book!

We start off by getting to know our two main characters, Evalina and Taichi. We learn about there world in 1941 (World War II) about how Pearl Harbor has affected the US. Evalina is an Italian-American while Taichi is the son of Japanese immigrants.

Evalina is a strong female character. She's passionate and loyal. We get to see her life as not only an Italian-American but in love with someone whom most people are looking down on, saying that he and his family aren't Americans and should be here. But that's just the start when he gets sent off to Manzanar Relocation Center (one of ten American concentration camps.) I never learned about this while in school it was until I was out of school when I learned about it., so to get to read about that and see what life was like for them brock my heart. Taichi is a sweet and caring character, to read about what he went through, and how much he loves is inspiring.

All in all, this has been my favorite read so far this year. Within These Lines is filled with the heart of these characters, but the sorrow of our history.

4.5 Stars

There is a shadow over America’s involvement in World War II that’s often skipped over or brushed aside, and Stephanie Morrill wades into the waters of America’s distrust of, prejudice toward, and mistreatment of Japanese-Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

This book is powerful with its depictions of the conditions and atmosphere of the internment camp at Manzanar. Morrill paints a vivid picture of life inside the camp without getting too graphic for a younger audience.

And her characters are wonderful. Evalina is a fiery young lady who voices the truths she’s seen with her own eyes and defends the unpopular opinion no matter the pushback she receives. Taichi is a quiet sort of hero who does his best to support his friends and family in Manzanar while guarding those he loves outside from the truth of his experiences. Both of these characters, so different, yet somehow perfect for each other, will stick with me for a long time as will many of the supporting cast—James, Diego, and Aiko each added to round out this story.

Within These Lines acts as both a reminder of some forgotten/glossed over history and a caution to judge an entire people group by the acts of a few. It’s a difficult, yet sweet, coming-of-age story where young love weathers impossible odds.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

What I liked:


First of all I really liked the fact that the author tried to respect the history as much as possible. She also added at the end of her book some facts about what happened to the Japanese American after Pearl Harbor, which I found pretty helpful as we've never covered these things in our History classes back in Secondary school. So I might have learned something new. It is important history, which makes this book also very important even if it's „only“ a work of fiction with fictional charactes. But still. I hope that we learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and never do awful things like sending people to concentration camps or whatever again. I really hope that we or let's say our leaders learned their lesson! 

I knew before reading that this book would also be in the romance genre as the synopsis already states that and honestly the romance in here was amazing. It didn't feel forced and all the things our two main characters had to get through during their relationship was, if I can be honest, heartbreaking! I nearly cried during some of the scenes. I can't even imagine what both of them had to feel. And we're talking about fictional characters so imagine what the real people who where in that situation had to feel and endure. 

Another great thing (everything was great! Just saying) was the friendships in this book. The support of the friends or family wasn't always super duper great but their concern was genuine. They were never against the relationship but I could understand their fears and after their "accepting" they tried to support Evalina as best as they could and that is what friendship really means. Being there for the person as best as you can. It was really great. 
And last but not least Stephanie Morrill I loved your writing style and I will definitely read your other books as well. It was fluid, fast-paced, nothing complicated to understand. The writing style was PERFECT!!! Within these lines is now one of my favourite books of 2019!


What I didn't like
:
Absolutely nothing!

w o w what a beautiful piece of historical fiction! I had been looking forward to reading some of Mrs. Morrill’s books lately and I’m so glad to say that Within These Lines did not disappoint!

I’ve never been one to read and really enjoy historical fiction, but I loved this book – it honestly inspired me to research more about 1940s and read more books set in that timeframe. Within These Lines deals with many things, but mainly daily life in internment camps. This is one of the only times I’ve seen books approach this topic so closely and so raw and near to the matter, and I love that the book wasn’t shrouded in depression and darkness, but rather in hope – even though the situation was full of despair.

This will be an unpopular opinion, but the characters missed the mark for me. I loved reading about Evalina and Taichi and their families – I really did, but I feel like I was in it more for what happened + learning more about the internment camps than for the characters. I really admire Evalina’s courage and fiery passion though, and I love Taichi’s positive attitude. It really inspired me. My favorite character was probably Aiko, though. I love her snarkiness and sarcasm and general character – she really added life and flavor to the story and I loved it whenever she made an appearance. 😉

Overall, A+ for the historical-ness of this book! I loved getting a glimpse into the internment camp, and I think most people would really benefit from reading this book. I adored reading Mrs. Morrill’s fluid and engaging writing style as well. 4 stars.