In "Executive Order No. 9066: The Terrible Injustice of 1942," author Sollace Freeman transports readers back to the tumultuous era of World War II, where the Horito family finds themselves ensnared in the dark web of internment camps and patriotic duty.
Set against the backdrop of 1940s San Francisco, the Horito family - patriarch Bunta, his steadfast wife Sandra, their children Gerald and Rachel, and the wise grandparents Hauto and Aiko - lead a seemingly ordinary life until the ominous specter of Executive Order 9066 looms over their community. In a harrowing turn of events, they are among the 127,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans herded into isolated internment camps, forced to leave behind their livelihoods and possessions with only what they can carry.
Gerald, our young protagonist, narrates their journey from the makeshift confines of Tanforan Assembly Center to the unforgiving desolation of Topaz internment camp amidst the Utah desert's biting winds and blistering heat. Gerald grapples with loss, resilience, and the bitter taste of betrayal. As winter's icy grip claims his grandparents, Gerald's resolve crystallizes into a daring plan - to escape and seek retribution against the nation that wronged them.
Thus begins a riveting odyssey as Gerald, now under the guise of David, embarks on a treacherous path to Japan, where he undergoes clandestine training and emerges as a reluctant agent poised for sabotage. Alongside a crew of operatives, David infiltrates the heart of America's war machine, intent on sabotaging America's secret project in Los Alamos, NM.
Yet, amidst the chaos of his mission, David confronts a moral crossroads that threatens to unravel his convictions. In a gripping climax, he confronts his own demons and chooses a path illuminated by compassion and redemption.
"Executive Order No. 9066" is not merely a historical novel; it's a poignant testament to the indomitable human spirit amidst the shadows of injustice and the enduring power of hope in the face of despair. Through twists and turns spanning continents and conscience, Freeman crafts a tale that resonates with echoes of courage, sacrifice, and, ultimately, the triumph of the human heart.
Sollace "Mike" Freeman is a retired Episcopal minister and Navy Chaplain. He published his first novel in 2022 and is now working on his third novel, a murder mystery exposing the large illegal ivory trade that comes into the U.S. He resides in Gainesville, GA, with his wife, Pat, and their ten-year-old "fur baby" Sassy the Shish Tzu. They have three children and seven grandchildren.
Janie Mills, MA in English from LSU, is a seasoned, full-time professional book editor and proud member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. Active in the Atlanta Writers Club, she serves as Pre-Conference Editor for the Atlanta Writers Conference. With vast experience editing for a NYT bestseller, and independent and traditionally published authors, Janie offers a full line of comprehensive book editing services to include proofreading, query letters, and synopsis compilation.
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