This Light Between Us

A Novel of World War II

By: Andrew Fukuda

Narrated by: Emily Ellet, Greg Chun

For fans of The Librarian of Auschwitz, This Light Between Us is a powerfully affecting story of World War II about the unlikeliest of pen pals - a Japanese American boy and a French Jewish girl - as they fight to maintain hope in a time of war.

"I remember visiting Manzanar and standing in the windswept plains where over ten thousand internees were once imprisoned, their voices cut off. I remember how much I wanted to write a story that did right by them. Hopefully this book delivers." (Andrew Fukuda)

In 1935, 10-year-old Alex Maki from Bainbridge Island, Washington, is disgusted when he’s forced to become pen pals with Charlie Lévy of Paris, France - a girl. He thought she was a boy. In spite of Alex’s reluctance, their letters continue to fly across the Atlantic - and along with them, the shared hopes and dreams of friendship. Until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the growing Nazi persecution of Jews force them to confront the darkest aspects of human nature.

From the desolation of an internment camp on the plains of Manzanar to the horrors of Auschwitz and the devastation of European battlefields, the only thing they can hold onto are the memories of their letters. But nothing can dispel the light between them.

©2020 Andrew Fukuda (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Winner 2021

Great story to share with my teenage granddaughter.

This is an excellent way to share our history with others. My granddaughter read it for school and insisted I read it. A good way to share with her!!!

Couldn’t put it down!

This is one of the best books I’ve listened to this year. Once you start it you won’t put it down.

Captivating story with outstanding narration.

The story was captivating. The narration was the best I've heard. The ending chapters left me emotionally spent. Highly recommend this novel.

Excellent

This Light Between Us is a fabulous story. The story is about two young people, who are about to get caught up in WW2. A Jewish girl living in Paris and a Japanese boy living on Bainbridge Is., Washington State USA.
This book gives a very different perspective of the war. I hope you enjoy, I sure did!

Pulled at my heart

A little difficult to get into in the beginning but it is so beautiful and worth it to stick it out. Loved this beautiful story and the history of WW2.

Really liked this book!

The characters were really life like and interesting. I really enjoyed reading this, though at 66 I certainly am not a young adult! Great story!!!!

Terrific book

Extremely well written and narrated. I can highly recommend this book. Brings humanity to history of WW2.

This Light Between Us A Novel of World War II

This Light Between Us
A Novel of World War II was the best book I ever read. It had so much history.

Good book

I love the book and it is a great way for me to learn about wwii

Best book I have ever read

Bittersweet story of friendship and love in WWII

Ambitious story that describes both the Japanese American and Jewish European experience during WWII. Historical episodes are described through the letters sent over the years between 2 unlikely penpals. As their relationship grows and matures, the violence of WWII eventually shifts and abruptly detours their reality and communications.