Rose Among Thornes

By Terrie Todd

Description:

War might be raging overseas, but Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced by her government to leave her beloved home in Vancouver and move to the Canadian prairie to work on the Thornes' sugar beet farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. Though the Thorne family is kind, life is unbearably lonely. In hopes that it might win her the chance to play their piano, Rose agrees to write letters to their soldier son.

When Rusty Thorne joins the Canadian Army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Inside the camp, the faith his parents instilled is tested like never before. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him especially the brilliant notes from his mother's charming helper, which the girl signs simply as Rose.

Will Rusty survive the war only to encounter the Japanese on his own doorstep? Can Rose overcome betrayal and open her heart? Or will the truth destroy the fragile bond their letters created?

Book Takeaway:

God can use even the most evil plans for good when we involve him in our lives.

Awards:

Why the author wrote this book:

This story sheds light on a much-ignored blot on Canadian (and U.S.) history, while celebrating the triumphant freedom and forgiveness that is found only in Jesus. Though I fought writing it for a long time because I'm not Japanese and felt unqualified, God kept nudging me and leading me forward with it. I hope its message will prove timely as it addresses cultural profiling, racial discrimination and hatred.