MY NEST OF SILENCE by Matt Faulkner

 

The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, and Mari and her family have been relocated from their small farm to the Japanese internment camp Manzanar. They share a small 20 x 20 room in the barracks and eat in the dining hall. Mari spends her time drawing what she sees in her new surroundings and hanging out with her older brother. She loves Mak despite the teasing and the noogies.

When Mak turns 18, Mari is shocked that he decides to enlist in the army. She cries as he climbs on the bus and heads off to who knows where. He begins writing her letters to let her know what he can about his new life. The letters are often vague and never enough to really comfort Mari. She pledges not to speak until he is safely home from the war.

Most people praise Mari for her vow of silence, but she is teased by the kids at school and her father complains that her behavior is "abnormal." Mari stays true to her promise hoping that her sacrifice will help Mak. Her drawing and his letters are her only hope.

At the same time readers learn of Mari's life in the internment camp, Mak shares his army life through his letters and through graphic novel format tales of boot camp and life on the battlefield in Europe. His talent as a mechanic earns him a job driving a jeep for an upper-level officer, but it doesn't keep him from seeing some hardcore action on the front. Everything he does is designed to hopefully keep him safe and headed back to Mari and his family.

Author Matt Faulkner first wrote about his fascination with the Japanese internment camps in Gaijin: American Prisoner of War in which he used a graphic novel format throughout. In MY NEST OF SILENCE Faulkner combines prose with graphic novel art to tell Mari and Mak's stories. This unique approach takes readers directly into the lives of both characters as it provides gripping details and fast-paced action. This work of historical fiction is perfect for teen and adult history buffs or anyone looking for an awesome read.