The War Outside
The War Outside by Monica Hesse is a poignant exploration of friendship and identity set against the backdrop of World War II. Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on September 25, 2018, this first edition spans 336 pages and is presented in English. The narrative follows two teenagers, Margot and Haruko, who are relocated to a family internment camp in Texas due to their parents’ heritage. As they navigate the complexities of their new reality, the war that once felt distant becomes an inescapable part of their lives.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of social themes woven throughout the story, including prejudice and racism, as Margot and Haruko confront their fears and uncertainties in a camp designed to isolate them. The novel delves into their evolving friendship, highlighting the challenges they face amid a backdrop of military conflict and personal turmoil. As they grapple with their families’ struggles and the shifting dynamics of trust, the characters reveal the profound impact of war on their lives and relationships.
Official synopsis Publisher
New from Monica Hesse, the bestselling and award-winning author of Girl in the Blue Coat–an “important” (New York Times Book Review), “extraordinary” (Booklist, starred review) novel of conviction, friendship, and betrayal
“A must-read for fans of historical fiction.” –Ruta Sepetys, #1 New York Times bestselling author
It’s 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far away from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado–until they were uprooted to dusty Texas, all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan.
Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a “family internment camp” for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother’s health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis.
With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their growing, secret friendship. But in a prison the government has deemed full of spies, can they trust anyone–even each other?
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