The American Boys by Olivia Spooner

Wellington, 1942. Lorna’s older brothers are fighting overseas when 20,000 American troops are posted to New Zealand. Few locals are happy about this – they want their own men back home, not these foreign invaders. But the Americans find this posting strange and unwelcoming in the large part, although these handsome soldiers make a big impression on many of the Kiwi women. Lorna meets Stan, a marine from Chicago, when she goes on a double date. He is the golden boy in his family, handsome, upright, polite and kind, and they develop a friendship. Maybe it could be more?

But then Stan is posted to Guadalcanal, and his wayward young brother, Alfie, also becomes a marine, finding himself in Wellington. Lorna can’t believe how different he is from his brother when they meet. He is infuriating, and they are constantly at odds. But then he is posted too, leaving Lorna feeling bereft. The brothers will change the course of her life, but which brother will win her heart forever?

The American Boys is a compelling story of heartbreak, loss, hope and love, vividly bringing to life this period in history when Kiwi men were fighting abroad and American troops were posted here to keep New Zealand. It captures the tensions between locals and US soldiers, as well as the attachments that formed, including friendships, romance, marriages, and the babies that were made. It’s a fascinating history and a gripping tale set in these times.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Moa Press