(DANGER!!! To Pro Germans, Loyal Americans Welcome to Edison Park)
As the United States entered WWI, anything to do with Germany, or being German, suddenly became a hazard. German-sounding streets, cities and even last names were changed in order to sound more American. The German language was prohibited from being spoken in many places. In Iowa, where HOPE AT DAWN takes place, this included schools, churches, public places and on the telephone.
German-Americans were often viewed as spies for the “enemy” and threatened with violence if they didn’t prove their loyalties. Some were jailed, sentenced to prison, or tarred and feathered. Others struggled to make ends meet when people refused to frequent German-owned establishments.
In the midst of this anti-German movement, Livy and Friedrick meet and fall in love in HOPE AT DAWN. Their story gives a glimpse into the private struggles of German-Americans during the Great War.
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I'm so excited to read your book, Stacy. I've read a couple WWII books in the past few months…but I haven't read a WWI book in quite awhile. So I can't wait to read yours. And I know I've said it before but man I just love your cover!
Thanks for stopping by, Melissa! I know I'm a little biased ;), but I think WWI is such a fascinating time period, and it's crazy to think it'll be 100 years this year since the Great War started!
I have read dozens of books that take place during WWII, but can't recall if I've read anything that takes place during the first great war. Sounds like an interesting read…
And I agree with Melissa, the cover for your new book is beautiful!
Kim – There aren't a lot set during WWI, though it is a time period gaining in popularity. 🙂 One I really liked is a YA historical called Hattie Big Sky. That one also deals a little bit with German-American tensions here in America.