New adventures on the horizon

The stories they share

Although my next two books take place on opposite sides of the globe, they share several defining qualities. They are stories about ordinary people trapped inside extraordinary historical events. Neither novel is primarily about famous generals or political leaders. Instead, individuals experience history as they try to protect their families, preserve their values, and survive impossible circumstances.

They also emphasize culture before catastrophe. In "Hiroshima Darling," readers experience Kyoto's artistry and traditions before war consumes them. In "Under A Fallen Sky," readers witness the remnants of a homeland and the struggle to survive its destruction. Because readers first come to care about the world, its loss carries greater emotional weight. Another shared strength is my willingness to explore historically overlooked perspectives, such as the experiences of East Prussian civilians and the daily lives of ordinary Japanese families in the years leading to Hiroshima.