Review of A Piece of My Heart
Posted: 09 Apr 2025, 10:18
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Piece of My Heart" by Katherine P Stillerman.]
After losing her first husband in a car accident, Hattie marries Will, a man she has known for many years. Will feels the call to go to China, where he will work as a missionary and help educate young Chinese women. As he and Hattie prepare to leave for Asia, a family emergency arises, and Hattie must stay in the United States. At the same time, Hitler’s army was devastating the Allied forces in Europe, but the family did not foresee that the horrors of war would soon spread to the Pacific theater. Will writes letters to Hattie, detailing the settlements that are protecting Chinese refugees, the rampant starvation, and the corpses in the streets. After Pearl Harbor, everything changed. Will is taken into an internment camp for European and American citizens as the Japanese occupy the region. As Hattie earnestly waits for news about Will’s situation, she continues her life with her daughters in South Carolina. As more family members join the war effort, Hattie realizes that Will is surely in great danger and is facing hardship at the hands of the Japanese captors.
A Piece of My Heart: The Barton Family Series: Book Five is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Hattie’s family. The author has carefully researched this era in history, and I really enjoyed the way author Katherine P. Stillerman brings history to life through her characters. A daughter determined to serve her country is a beacon of independence. Young men contemplate their futures as draftees while World War II rages on. Franklin Roosevelt’s memorable addresses to the nation and alarming Japanese rituals in the face of defeat also make appearances here.
The best part of this book is that there are relevant underlying themes that make the writing seem so personal. The relationship between a mother and her daughters is explored, and any mother or daughter will relate to the very thin line between letting a child make their own mistakes and stifling them. Don’t we just want to protect them from themselves and the world? There are also themes of social justice. The fight for women’s rights and the calamitous effects of discrimination are woven into the story. Georgia, the housekeeper, was born into slavery and has lived through discrimination and the Jim Crow laws, yet her wisdom and insights are invaluable. There is a focus on the ordinary. Short but astute statements from a husband, the description of a favorite spot for reflection and thoughtful discussion, and the inclusion of life’s natural ups and downs give the book a realistic feel.
If I had to pick one negative aspect of the writing, I would say that some parts are overly detailed. A lot of the story’s historical backdrop is told through letters, and this seemed a little unnatural. I would have preferred the historical information to be told in the narration rather than through letters. This is, of course, my personal preference, and it does not affect my rating of the book. For the poignant themes, well-developed characters, and engaging ties to historical events, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Additionally, the book is very well edited; careful editing certainly makes reading a book much more enjoyable.
I consider myself quite knowledgeable about the events of World War II, but I still learned some things I did not know. I also felt a sense of renewed pride as an American. This book is most appropriate for mature readers, as there are some sexual scenes not suitable for younger readers. I recommend this book to adult readers who can truly appreciate the historical context and handle the heavy themes. Women, especially, will find comfort in the exploration of female characters and family relationships.
******
A Piece of My Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
After losing her first husband in a car accident, Hattie marries Will, a man she has known for many years. Will feels the call to go to China, where he will work as a missionary and help educate young Chinese women. As he and Hattie prepare to leave for Asia, a family emergency arises, and Hattie must stay in the United States. At the same time, Hitler’s army was devastating the Allied forces in Europe, but the family did not foresee that the horrors of war would soon spread to the Pacific theater. Will writes letters to Hattie, detailing the settlements that are protecting Chinese refugees, the rampant starvation, and the corpses in the streets. After Pearl Harbor, everything changed. Will is taken into an internment camp for European and American citizens as the Japanese occupy the region. As Hattie earnestly waits for news about Will’s situation, she continues her life with her daughters in South Carolina. As more family members join the war effort, Hattie realizes that Will is surely in great danger and is facing hardship at the hands of the Japanese captors.
A Piece of My Heart: The Barton Family Series: Book Five is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Hattie’s family. The author has carefully researched this era in history, and I really enjoyed the way author Katherine P. Stillerman brings history to life through her characters. A daughter determined to serve her country is a beacon of independence. Young men contemplate their futures as draftees while World War II rages on. Franklin Roosevelt’s memorable addresses to the nation and alarming Japanese rituals in the face of defeat also make appearances here.
The best part of this book is that there are relevant underlying themes that make the writing seem so personal. The relationship between a mother and her daughters is explored, and any mother or daughter will relate to the very thin line between letting a child make their own mistakes and stifling them. Don’t we just want to protect them from themselves and the world? There are also themes of social justice. The fight for women’s rights and the calamitous effects of discrimination are woven into the story. Georgia, the housekeeper, was born into slavery and has lived through discrimination and the Jim Crow laws, yet her wisdom and insights are invaluable. There is a focus on the ordinary. Short but astute statements from a husband, the description of a favorite spot for reflection and thoughtful discussion, and the inclusion of life’s natural ups and downs give the book a realistic feel.
If I had to pick one negative aspect of the writing, I would say that some parts are overly detailed. A lot of the story’s historical backdrop is told through letters, and this seemed a little unnatural. I would have preferred the historical information to be told in the narration rather than through letters. This is, of course, my personal preference, and it does not affect my rating of the book. For the poignant themes, well-developed characters, and engaging ties to historical events, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Additionally, the book is very well edited; careful editing certainly makes reading a book much more enjoyable.
I consider myself quite knowledgeable about the events of World War II, but I still learned some things I did not know. I also felt a sense of renewed pride as an American. This book is most appropriate for mature readers, as there are some sexual scenes not suitable for younger readers. I recommend this book to adult readers who can truly appreciate the historical context and handle the heavy themes. Women, especially, will find comfort in the exploration of female characters and family relationships.
******
A Piece of My Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon