All We Left Behind is a historical romance about the life of a Canadian boy who falls in love with his childhood friend who is a Japanese Canadian. This historical romance novel is set during the time of World War II and on Mayne Island, right here in British Columbia, Canada. World War II’s impact slowly made its way to North America and when it did it disrupted the lives of everyone. The story takes you through the characters’ good times, hardships, uncertainties, and the struggles to survive.
While the war raged on in Europe and the Nazis pillaged through everything to satisfy the dream of the Third Reich, Japanese Canadians suffered in their homes in British Columbia. With Japan joining their forces with Germany and Italy, Japanese Canadians were now seen as enemy aliens in North America. Discrimination and hostility towards the Japanese Canadians was rising and people wanted the government to do something. After Pearl Harbour was bombed by the Japanese, the Canadian government stole everything from Japanese Canadians, sold all their businesses and properties to pay for the internment camps the Japanese would be forced into until the end of the war. Just over 20, 000 Japanese Canadians were displaced during this dark historical time in Canada and majority of them were born in Canada.
Although I am not usually pulled in the direction of romance novels, once I began reading All We Left Behind I could not put it down. Danielle R. Graham presents the story in a very clear way by switching between the past and the present, capturing your attention right away trying to piece together the story, trying to figure out what happened. I found this novel to be a quick and pretty easy read thanks to the clear and organized story telling. Full of emotion and suspense as to what was going to happen next, All We Left Behind had me all in my feels throughout the book. At times I would put it down feeling kind of sad, as if I was actually feeling the emotions of the characters and their hardships.
What if one day you woke up and suddenly your best friend, your friendly neighbour, your employer and classmates all see you in a different light and turn hostile because of something that is not even in your control. Next you’re forced to leave your home where you have lived all your life and can only take what you can carry. In a way, reading All We Left Behind reminded me of all the things we take for granted, from basic freedom to our relationships with those around us. Definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a quick and easy read, it has a good story line which is actually a little reminiscent of Bollywood movies!
Nish Jots Her Thoughts 