Louise Steinman has published essays and articles in the Los Angeles Times Magazine, The Washington Post, and Salon. She has also led writing workshops and curates literacy programs. The Souvenir, a powerful, best-selling book, was a featured selection of the Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club, and others. Growing up, Louise Steinman never understood the private hell that tormented her father. Years later, among her late parents' belongings, she discovers a metal ammo box. In it are almost 500 letters written by her father to her mother during World War II. It also contains a silk Japanese flag inscribed to Yoshio Shimizu. When she reads the letters, Steinman begins to see what her father experienced in the endless days of combat. She also embarks on a decade-long search to find out who Shimizu was-a search which culminates in a trip to Japan to return his flag. The result is a powerful story of discovery, connection, and reconciliation. Weaving together her father's letters, historical details and the political propaganda of both sides, Steinman creates a narrative that is a unique examination of the personal and universal costs of war.
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"This book was really really interesting! I've read/learned a bit about the European side of World War II, but I knew virtually nothing about the Pacific side of things. I really enjoyed the adventure the author took me on trying to discover her father's past and the mysteries the Japanese flag held." — Sara (4 out of 5 stars)
"This book was really really interesting! I've read/learned a bit about the European side of World War II, but I knew virtually nothing about the Pacific side of things. I really enjoyed the adventure the author took me on trying to discover her father's past and the mysteries the Japanese flag held."
" This book was full of documented history and still touched my heart. I kept thinking, not only about my WWII dad, but my two military brothers, all three combat veterans who had stories they never would tell. "
" An amazing tale of finding a Japanese flag in her father's keepsakes after his death and tracing it back to the family of the Japanese soldier who had carried this flag into WWII. "
" I found this book very interesting and informative due to the personal connection I have with the subject matter as I, too, have a similar flag from WWII that my grandfather brought home. "
" A daughter finds a Japanese flag in her father's things; goes to Japan to find the rightful owner. "
" I'm glad I finally read this book. It was written by the sister of a high school classmate of mine about the finding of a Japanese flag after her father's death and the 474 letters he wrote to her mother during the war. This prompted Louise to find out more about her father's war experiences. "
" I liked the weaving of history, primary source and memoir. At times the flow was a bit slow, but I learned a lot about the Pacific side of WWII and about the effects of war home and abroad. "
" This is a beautifully written book. "
" This is a powerful non-fiction story. "
" Sister of a high school classmate follows a story first unearthed as the family sorts and stores the memories of two lifetimes. A journey started by correspondence and completed with personal visits to Asia to return a Souvenir. "
Peter Ganim, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an American actor who has appeared on stage, on television, and in film. He has performed voice-over work since 1994.
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