Christine Kohler

No Surrender Soldier by Christine Kohler
3 ★'s

What's it About?
A young man, an old soldier , and a terrible injustice. Should the punishment be death?

Growing up on Guam in 1972, fifteen-year-old Kiko is beset by worries: He’s never kissed a girl, and he thinks it’s possible he never will. The popular guys get all the attention, but the worst part is that Kiko has serious problems at home. His older brother is missing in Vietnam; his grandfather is losing it to dementia; he just learned that his mother was raped in World War II by a Japanese soldier. It all comes together when he discovers an old man, a Japanese soldier, hiding in the jungle behind his house. It’s not the same man who raped his mother, but, in his rage, Kiko cares only about protecting his family and avenging his mom – no matter what it takes. And so, a shy, peaceable boy begins to plan a murder. But how far will Kiko go to prove to himself that he’s a man ? Based on a historical incident.

What Did I Think?
Not much obviously as it took me four months to finish the book. It was just okay. I didn't care much for the topic or most of the characters. I believe this was more me than the story or the writing. Please don't pass this book by based on my opinion. It just didn't click with me but I can't not recommend it to others.… (mais)

This culturally specific novel set in Guam in the 1970s vividly portrays its diverse aspects: the Chamorro population, Catholic influence, pidgin English, fiestas and the food. There are also lingering bad feelings over the Japanese occupation during WW2. Kiko and his family are shouldering quite a bit: a grandfather with Alzheimer's, a son MIA in the Vietnam War, plus running their store in town. Alternating chapters are from the perspective of Seto, a Japanese soldier who's been hiding underground as a "straggler" since WW2. His experiences highlight and contrast with Kiko's own feelings about his family's burdens. Absorbing and compelling; made me curious about Guam's history.… (mais)