Overview

Why would the Empire of Japan imprison 5 Dutch radio engineers, hold their families hostage, and move them all from Indonesia to Japan? And why would one of them die? Through heartfelt letters written across decades, oceans, and generations, and during her travels across the world, Laura begins piecing together her father's hidden past, guided by his enduring spirit and love, especially when she's at her most vulnerable. As Laura delves deeper, she not only uncovers a surprising family story shaped by resilience, displacement, and the quiet heroism that lives in ordinary people, but a lost chapter of WWII. Told with warmth, curiosity, and reverence for the past, Dear Laura is a testament to the lifelong adventure of understanding those we love. It is a deeply personal account of questions finally asked, healing that comes from bearing witness to the truth, and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. This is more than a memoir, it's an unraveling of a mystery, a reclaiming of legacy, and a powerful reminder that sometimes the most incredible stories are those buried closest to home. ""An evocative tale of history and family. The author's painstaking research and her evident love for her father are felt throughout this emotional read. As Elliott asks, 'How many sentences have incredible backstories? How many epics lie in the footnotes of history?' Her endeavor to find out is a worthy one."" Kirkus Reviews

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9781964421094

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Reviews

WINNER 2026 Best Historical Book Award Indies Today ""Dear Laura, A Lost Chapter of WWII is the culmination of years of research, correspondence, inquiry, enlightenment, and soul searching. Written by Laura Elliott, the book is a poignant intergenerational story that champions enduring love in a world often clouded by hate. At the heart of Laura's real life family drama is her father, Hans Hasenstab, a man whose extraordinary life could fill volumes. An offhand comment about a modest family treasure piques Laura's curiosity, prompting her to uncover stories her father struggled to forget. What begins as a simple question unfolds into a years long exchange of heartfelt letters that move across the pages like scenes from a film. Early in the book, Laura writes about her father's joy for life and how it shaped everything he did. Whether sharing his love for gardening or humbly accepting an assignment that might have been seen as insulting, Hans's contagious enjoyment of life is evident throughout. Not only did he find light in darkness, he brought honor to his family and his God. Dear Laura is a powerful and thought provoking family memoir about being bold enough to confront the past and courageous enough to embrace every new beginning."" Indies Today ""Original, unique, informative, deftly crafted, and a vivid blend of biography and memoir, Dear Laura: A Lost Chapter of WWII: A Father Daughter Adventure of Courage, Faith & Freedom is an extraordinary and inherently fascinating read from cover to cover. Of immense value to readers interested in true life World War II histories, biographies, and memoirs, it is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college collections, as well as supplemental curriculum studies lists."" Midwest Book Review

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