In ‘The Long March Home,’ Friendship and Forgiveness are the Keys to Survival [REVIEW]

From a young age, four friends growing up in the American South find joy and solace in their fierce devotion to one another. But as they enter adulthood, war tests the strength of their bond. Will they survive the ravages they endure on foreign soil? And just what will be waiting for them at home if they manage to return? Find out in Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee’s unforgettable new novel, The Long March Home.

Back in 1930s Alabama, Jimmy Propfield is the preacher’s son, a boy destined to attend seminary in Louisville, whether he likes it or not. An only child, he spends his days with Claire Crockett, his best friend and childhood sweetheart, and her little brother Billy, eating homemade ice cream and climbing trees. Then Hank Wright arrives at their school halfway through third grade, and the four of them quickly become fast friends.

Over the years, family tragedies draw them even closer together. And as they blossom from childhood into adulthood, Claire becomes a lady while the three boys work, play, and dream together, ultimately becoming as close as brothers.

As graduation looms and World War II gains momentum, Jimmy must decide what he truly wants out of life, and whether he can summon the courage to disappoint his father and leave Mobile and Claire in his rearview mirror.

Then shocking news sends the entire community reeling, and ultimately pushes Hank, Billy, and Jimmy to enlist.

Assigned to the Thirty-First Infantry in Manila, Philippines, the trio is initially enamored by the paradisaic playground where women, alcohol and fun are freely available.

But everything changes when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor and then turn their sights on the Philippines. Suddenly, the three friends must summon every ounce of ingenuity and courage they have to survive, and they vow to do whatever it takes to return home together.

Little do they realize how difficult that promise will be to keep, especially after they are ordered to surrender on April 9, 1942, and are forced to begin a 60-mile death march up the Bataan Peninsula to the horrific prison camps that are completely unprepared to handle approximately 10,000 American troops.

It has been said that while “we know a lot about Pearl Harbor… nobody knows about Bataan.” In this modern masterpiece, Brotherton and Lee deliver a transformative tale readers won’t soon forget. Epic in scope and impeccably researched, The Long March Home is packed with nerve-jangling suspense and fraught with visceral, gut-wrenching emotion. As such, we are confident it will leave an indelible mark on readers hearts.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most powerful books we’ve read in years. The authors make us care about each and every character. We find ourselves laughing with them, cheering them on, and ultimately weeping over them. This is one of those rare books that can break our hearts even as it educates, shining a light on what veterans experienced during their time in the Pacific. Even so, it refrains from getting bogged down in violence, although there are some definite cringe-worthy moments.

Ultimately, this book celebrates the power of the human heart, with all its imperfections and insecurities. It highlights the importance of friendship, family, home, and forgiveness, and reminds us that none of us are above redemption. This is the best book we’ve read about World War II since James Jones’ From Here to Eternity. Don’t miss it!