The author brought to light one side of WWII that we seldom read about, and that is the prejudice, fear and hatred that was directed at Japanese citizens of, in this case, British Columbia......which could just as well have been the United States. The heartbreaking reality of young people who were torn apart by the war.... She as a Japanese-Canadian citizen and he ,who joined the war to "make a difference" and ultimately became a POW. The author's sensitivity towards the young love between Hayden and Chidori was wonderfully written., The style used to "see inside" these two main characters makes the reader aware of both the love and heartache between the two......by reading Chidori's diary, and Hayden's journal. I absolutely loved the addition of the young girl character, Marguerite, following Hayden's return to Mayne Island. Through her character the author was able to provide a kindred-spirit for Hayden as well as someone who gave him the right kind of encouragement when he needed it most. I enjoyed reading their story and will recommend to others. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. #NetGalley #AllWeLeftBehind

All We Left Behind
Danielle R. Graham
One More Chapter/HarperCollins Publishers, Jan 2020, 255 pages
Romantic Historical Novel, Debut Historical Novel
Provided by Pub via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐

The cover is very appealing, yet confusing. It is supposed to be from Hayden’s perspective, I would think, as he’s the one who would be looking back at Chidori. But she’s on the far side of the barbed wire with the airfield and the planes in the sky, so I’m not really too sure how to interpret the scene. I’d love to know how the book actually got its title and how the artwork for the cover was decided on.

Growing up and growing together on their own island, Mayne Island, British Columbia has created a feeling of having their own little world. But now the outside world is sticking its nose into their lives and it’s hurting. They’re young and in love, but he’s white and she’s Canadian-Japanese and from a family that’s quite well off. Once Japan bombs Pearl Harbor and those of Japanese descent start getting sent to detention camps away from the coast, Chidori and Hayden’s lives are torn apart. They promise not to forget each other and to find each other when this is all over. Chidori’s whole family is sent off to a detention camp and no one knows where they end up. Hayden decides he must fight to end this war sooner so they can be together again.

We know for a fact that Hayden has a really bad war. He keeps his pilot’s log up-to-date as best he can through it all. But what little we know of Chidori’s war is a foreshadowing in a letter from Hayden’s sister Rose and some things mentioned almost in passing in Chidori’s letters at the end. This is where I think the author dropped the ball a bit. I would have liked to have known a bit more of Chidori’s war, more of the details, more of the grit. I loved the ending, though and the little “mute” girl, Margie. Recommended.

All We Left Behind by Danielle R. Graham. This was a story of first, true and enduring love between the characters. A true strength shown between Chi and Pierce. In a time where those of Japanese descent were not treated fairly due to the war one couple learns how to navigate it all. This was published in March 2021, so look for it on Amazon and BN. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this!

This is another WWII novel with a bit of a twist...I had no idea that Canada had Japanese Internment Camps!

This is the story of friendship, love, heartbreak and so much more.

My thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter Books. This is schedule to release in March 2021.

I enjoyed this novel and learned things that I was unaware of. Don't hear about what was happening in Canada during the war. The book brought those conflicts to light with well developed and loveable characters. It was a quick and enjoyable read.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book! It was so good! I was first introduced to Japanese internment camps in the United States in another book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. I hadn't idea this happened in other parts of the world as well! What an important history lesson for all people to read. This book was beautifully written, as well as happy, sad and heart wrenching. I quickly fell in love with Hayden, Chidori and Marguerite. I quickly hated the close minded people of the world. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story!

“All We Left Behind” by Danielle R. Graham tells of WW2’s impact on a small Canadian town. Hayden and Chidori are in love, but after Pearl Harbor the entire town begins to isolate the Asian community living among them. Hayden is determined to marry Chidori, but war tears them apart. Hayden is sent off to fly planes and Chidori is relocated to an internment camp. Can they both survive the war and find each other again? Or is their relationship just a passing fantasy?

What a beautiful story of love and devotion. Despite pressures from friends and family, Hayden and Chidori remain true to each other in every sense of the word. Wartime is always difficult, but adding to it a disapproved relationship adds more. I found it interesting how Chidori plays a more practical role and Hayden is the romantic dreamer, but that added more depth to Hayden and made him more likable. Their relationship feels so pure and sweet- the pages fly because readers have to know if they end up together.

The biggest thing I loved about this book was Graham’s ability to capture the spirit of each character and the times, but not to overkill the usual WW2 themes. Graham’s ability to focus on a more specific aspect made for more interesting reading and the setting being Canada made for less familiar reading. Most WW2 books I’ve read are either about America or about Britain, this book felt fresh to me because of that.

In the end, I gave this book 5 stars. I felt like the writing and characters were excellent. Also the development of the two characters throughout was apparent, so the book never felt stagnant to me. If you’re looking for a historical fiction read, add this to your list! It hits the shelves today!

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter Harper 360 for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

A fiction story based on true events told with depth and emotion. Although the plot is rich, the story was character-driven, and I felt like I was there, experiencing these moments with these characters. Superb writing. Fantastic read.

CW: suicide, suicidal ideation, torture, war time death, xenophobia, racism, Holocaust, Japanese internment

What a timely story, we need reminders for those who haven't learned the lessons of history.

An at times heart-wrenching historical fiction about two people torn apart by war, who still believe in their love and each other, even when everything and everyone is telling them to move on.
Hayden and Chidori are childhood friends who fall in love. Chidori's family are successful gardeners, lawyers, businessmen, and real estate owners. That doesn't matter when World War II hits and their quiet home on Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada, is impacted by the Japanese xenophobia and subsequent removal legislation that impacted all of the Japanese Canadians. Chidori and her family are removed from their homes, to horrible internment camps, just as happened in the United States, their possession are sold at auction and their livelihoods lost.

Hayden and Chidori vow to make it through the war and come back to each other. Hayden decides he has to enlist, hoping to do his part to bring the war to a close faster. He earns his pilot wings and sees combat, eventually becoming a POW and suffering at the hands of the Nazis.

The story is told in three views, with different time frames: a third person narrative about Chidori and Hayden before the Japanese Canadians are removed; Chidori's thoughts via her journal prior to removal: and Hayden's war time experiences. Chidori's journal writings are in italics and are obvious of course. The other POVs are not labeled, but the tone is immediately different and it was not hard to keep track of the jumps in time and narrative.

Hayden's war time experiences are crushing and emotional. His nightmares are vivid and you can feel his spirit breaking, while he desperately holds on to hope that he can get back home to Chidori.

At the end, there is a young girl, a side character named Margie, who experienced some of the horror of the war herself. Her words are prophetic and ultimately healing for both her and Hayden, when she tells him she knows his kind of sad.
Through all of the bleakness in many parts of the book, there are signs of hope. A bird singing. A lady bug on Margie's hand. Her bright clothing. A photo. They are the embodiment of the hope Hayden carries and..

**SPOILERS**

and that Chidori ultimately carries as well. I'm thankful this is a happy ending, Such an emotional book needed a pay off at the end.

In world building, there are instances of racism towards the Japanese, including from Hayden's mother, that are portrayed in both Mayne Island and Vancouver, so this is not a "charming small town" that's perfect. Other than Hayden's sister, most of the town side characters are fairly narrowly drawn. I had a better sense of Chidori's family though they, too, are only small supporting roles. During the war, we know a little about Hayden's fellow soldiers, with only one playing more than a minor role. The Nazi soldiers exist only as the evil they were. There is one German nurse who brings some humanity to the war, at a time when I think it works for the story and it rings true to humanity. I think all in all, the lack of focus on side characters works, we aren't lost in subplots, and it keeps the spotlight on Hayden and Chidori.

Pacing is excellent. We move among the three time frames easily and quickly. I found this to be a very fast read, even with all the emotion.

I hope this works as a reminder, that we as a society can learn, and that the current hate towards AAPI, will stop.

First, I love the cover of this book! Second, I did not realize that there were Japanese internment camps in Canada. All We Left Behind is the story of Hayden and Chidori. Hayden is called to fight in WWII. He asks his Japanese Canadian girlfriend to wait for him. Hayden finds himself in a POW Camp and Chi and her family are interned. When Hayden returns Chi and her family are not there. I thought this was a good premise for a story but the execution was lacking. Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Hayden Pierce and Chidori Setoguchi grew up together on Mayne Island, B.C. As the story begins, they are in their late teens and friendship is blossoming into romance, but at the same time WWII is in it's early days, and soon Chidori's family (along with all other Japanese-Canadians on the west coast, even those born in Canada) are "evacuated" to the interior due to fears they will try to help Japan in the war effort. Hayden feels powerless, until he decides that the only thing he can do to help Chidori and allow them to be together again is to enlist in the RCAF to fight, to help end the war. In the end, it is thoughts of Chidori that get Hayden through the war, but will she be waiting for him when he gets back? An enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this novel and learned things that I was unaware of. We don't often hear about what was happening in Canada during the war. The book brought those conflicts to light in great detail using fully developed and loveable characters. It was a quick and totally enjoyable read for me!

Sweethearts Hayden and Chidori are in love but Chidori is Japanese Canadian and WW2 is causing them to be separated. Chidori and her family are sent away, and Hayden enlists into pilot training. Will they find their way back to each other?

Two sweethearts, Hayden and Chidori, life long friends who have recently found love. Their life in Canada has not been effected by the beginning of WWII, until Pearl Harbor. Chidori is of Japanese descent and is sent to a concentration camp. Hayden is powerless to help her and chooses to join the Air Force to do his part in helping to end the war. The hardest questions to be answered are will they survive, will they be reunited, will they still love each other, will they have a future together. Held my interest and was thought provoking. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Soul searching and heart breaking are just a couple of phrases to describe this book. This author really drew me into the story and didn’t let go even when I finished. I thought about this book for many days after simply because it wouldn’t let me go. I love books that pull that much emotion out of me! Definitely will be recommending this book to fellow readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This story is beautifully written. I will never be able to fully understand what it was like living through WWII. With books like this one, it helps bring it into focus. All We Left Behind is not about the war itself. It is about relationships, hopes, and dreams during the war. Danielle R. Graham did her research well and it shows. I felt like I was right there with the characters feeling their hope, joy, despair, heartbreak, and love. This is a story about Hayden and Chidori. They have known each other since they were born and have recently fallen in love. The problem is Chidori is a Japanese-born Canadian. When Japan bombs Pearl Harbor, the Canadian government forces the Japanese-Canadians to move to interment camps. Hayden is heartbroken and decides to join the military in hopes that the war will be over soon and they can be reunited. Plans don't always work out the way they are supposed to. Will they be able to find each other again after the war? Will their love be strong enough to survive? Will they even be able to survive the war? This story will pull you in and take you on a ride. It shows the trials and hardships that people went through during the war. Some lost hope and some persevered. I was not ready for this story to end. I want to know more about the characters. I hope there is a second book.

I enjoy when I read a historical book that brings into a light part of history I haven’t read before. What a great job this author did in sharing the story of Canadians and how they were with Japanese during this time in history.
It is sad to read stories like this but I think they are so important to hear.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

The subject matter of this book is important and thought-provoking; the internment and mistreatment of Japanese-Canadians during World War II and the treatment of POWs are definitely worth discussing and writing about, in order to bring more awareness to the past and to consider the present as well. The setting of Mayne Island was well-described and I loved the details about the way of life and the animals and such. However, I didn't truly connect with the characters or the writing style. While switching between Chidori's and Hayden's voices and the past and present was down very well, the tone and language sometimes came across as oddly formal, over-written, and somewhat off-putting. I personally didn't connect with this book, but other readers may find the style quite engaging and love the characters.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper 360 / One More Chapter for an e-copy of All We Left Behind by Danielle R. Graham in exchange for an honest review!

Rating ~ 4 / 5 stars

I have read a lot of books based on the World War Two time period, however, this is my first time reading a novel through the eyes of a Canadian boy who fell in love with a Japanese girl and their struggles during this era. This was such an emotional, teary, and compelling book.

This book follows the lives of Hayden and Chidori, childhood friends, who finally decide to go "steady" when they're older. When Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, the Canadian government starts rounding up all people who are Japanese and sending them into containment / labor camps which includes Chidori's family. Hayden and Chidori get separated once more during these difficult times with the promise that they will wait for each other once the war is over.

This was a very beautifully written story that brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. Danielle writes in 3 parts that are happening at the same time; (1) Chidori's and Hayden's lives together before the Pearl Harbor attack, (2) Hayden's life as a soldier of the Allied Forces, and (3) Chidori's letters. I usually get really confused and lost when authors try to switch POV in a single chapter but Danielle did it really well and it had such an impact on me.

Hayden goes to help fight for the Allied Forces and his journey from the moment he first joined to the end of the war was a tearjerker that's for sure specifically when he starts to think really dark things when he gets captured by the German / Italian forces. That was so hard to read because Danielle didn't sugarcoat what Hayden was going through. Instead, she kept his feelings as authentic and real as possible.

All in all, this a book that I really need to experiences because it relates to what we all are going through with this pandemic: don't lose hope because good things are always combine even when you don't think you´ll be able to recover from it. What Hayden and Chidori went through and how they kept fighting to keep going was inspiring!

We all know about the horrific Holocaust events against Jews, but did you know about the Japanese Americans? I felt the story was hard to follow because there is a lot of jumping around between past, present and characters. Nonetheless, this is without a doubt a sad time in history and an even worse time for the Japanese who lived outside of Japan.

Danielle writes an emotional story about a Canadian whom loves a Japanese Canadian woman during World War II and the harsh reality of POW camps and Japanese internment. The novel will surely capture your heart if you are a WWII Period genre fan as it is a powerful and incredibly moving historical novel inspired by an untold story of WWII.