About the Book
When Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki are torn apart by the events following the attack on Pearl Harbor, they must fight if they want any hope of returning to one another before World War II steals their future together. Within These Lines is one unflinching, haunting, historical novel you don’t want to miss; perfect for fans of Monica Hesse, Ruta Sepetys, and Elizabeth Wein.
Evalina Cassano’s life in an Italian-American family living in San Francisco in 1941 is quiet and ordinary until she falls in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Despite the scandal it would cause and that inter-racial marriage is illegal in California, Evalina and Taichi vow they will find a way to be together. But anti-Japanese feelings erupt across the country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Taichi and his family are forced to give up their farm and move to a Japanese-American internment camp.
Degrading treatment makes life at Manzanar Relocation Center difficult. Taichi’s only connection to the outside world is treasured letters from Evalina. Feeling that the only action she can take to help Taichi is to speak out against injustice, Evalina becomes increasingly vocal at school and at home. Meanwhile, inside Manzanar, fighting between different Japanese-American factions arises. Taichi begins to doubt he will ever leave the camp alive.
With tensions running high and their freedom on the line, Evalina and Taichi must hold true to their ideals and believe in their love to make a way back to each other against unbelievable odds.
Excerpt
The truck putters away from the dock, and my fingers twist together in my lap. Why is my breathing so shallow? Why are my shoulders scrunched up to my ears? I’ve been alone with Taichi many times before. I don’t need to be so tense.
But it’s never been quite like this.
“So . . . ” I say as Taichi says, “How long do you—”
Some of the tension between us dissipates as we laugh.
“Ladies first,” Taichi says.
But I didn’t even know what I was going to say. I just couldn’t stand the silence anymore. “No, what were you going to ask?”
“I wondered how long you have. I’m trying to figure out where we should go.”
“I shouldn’t be gone too long.” I smooth the pleats of my skirt so they cover my knees. “The next ferry leaves in an hour so I guess until then.”
Taichi nods. “Okay. If we go up this road a bit, there’s a corner of the Medinas’ property where I think we could be alone. Being seen in public together . . . just . . . not the best idea.”
“I agree.” But the admission is still like a heavy blanket over my heart.
I look out the window as we roll by a squat, brick restaurant that has a large black-on-white sign hanging in the window: We don’t serve Japs! it says above a caricature of a man with buck teeth, overly slanted eyes, and a sneer.
I sense Taichi shifting, and I look at him, not caring if he sees that I’m on the verge of tears.
He reaches for my hand. “It’s fine, Evalina.”
As his fingers fold around mine, tears blur my vision. “No, it’s not. It’s not at all fine.”
Taichi squeezes my hand but doesn’t say anything to combat my statement. I clench my jaw to stop its trembling, and after a few deep inhales, my tears clear. I watch Taichi as he watches the road. I love the angle of his cheekbones and eyes. I love the contrast of colors when our fingers are entwined. And even more, I love his kind heart. How hard he works, how much he respects his family, how determined he is when he wants something. How can anyone look at him and see an enemy?
Review
Within the Lines may have been written for a young adult audience, but it is a story that will appeal to young adult and not-so-young adult readers alike. In saying that, I think this is a must-read for young adult readers in particular, because it is an eye-opening reminder of the pain and inhumanity people inflict on one another when they allow fear and anger to guide them. If we don’t teach the generations to come about these lesser-known parts of history, however shameful they may be, we doom them to make the same mistakes, and in Evalina and Taichi’s story, the shame of the past is couched in a story of determination, resilience, and a love that perseveres in spite of the obstacles in its path.
Evalina and Taichi both resonated with me for different reasons. Evalina is a young woman who knows her own mind and chafes against a world that doesn’t always see things the same way she does. As she says at one point, “My soul is so loud, it’s hard to keep the rest of me quiet.” Taichi is equally determined to help people see the truth, but his method is quiet compliance. Surely if they comply peacefully with the military evacuation order, the government will see that they pose no threat. But that optimism is shattered when they arrive at their new accommodation and realise just how much dignity they’ve lost in twenty-four hours.
Their story is told simply but beautifully, their struggles touching on some of the most foundational truths of what it means to be human. And there are some powerful quotes from the story that will stay with me:
“Shame has given birth to anger inside my chest, and there are precious few safe places for us to show our anger. To one another is the only one we have left.” (Taichi on the general atmosphere when they arrive at the military facility)
“As these rocks stay steady through season changes and time, so I will remain steady. I will not be silent. I will not let this go.” (Evalina)
“Change is a gradual thing. We have to chip away at the heart-heartedness of others and ourselves. We have to gradually open eyes, not just grab eyelids and yank them open.” (advice to Evalina)
“You have always excelled at fighting for others. But if you want to have the strength to continue to do so, you must value yourself enough to fight your own battles too.” (advice to Evalina)
If I were to voice just one complaint it would be that the story seemed to wrap up a little quickly, but even so, this is a story that will stay with me for some time.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
About the Author
Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as the 1920s mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street, and the WWII era romance, Within These Lines. She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husband and three children.
Connect with Stephanie
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Leave a Reply