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Grenade is a historical fiction novel written by Alan Gratz. Released in 2018, it tells of two young boys fighting in World War II on opposite sides and shows their alternating perspecitves.
Characters[]
- Hideki Kaneshiro
- Ray Majors "Barbecue" (dies)
- Yoshio
- Mr Ari
- Otō, Hideki's father (dies)
- Takeshi (dies)
- Principal Koijima (dies)
- Sergeant Meridith
- Big John
- Lieutenant Colonel Sano
- Kimiko Kaneshiro
Publisher's summary[]
Two boys. Two grenades.
The day the Americans land on Okinawa during World War II, the Japanese Army pulls Hideki Kaneshiro and all the other boys out of middle school and gives them each two grenades. One grenade, they tell Hideki, is to kill an American soldier.
The other grenade is to kill himself.
Ray Majors is a newly-minted Marine from Nebraska, hitting the beach on Okinawa for his first action of World War II. He left home to get away from his father, who came back from World War I a broken, angry man. A monster. But how can Ray survive the Typhoon of Steel that is the Battle of Okinawa without becoming a monster himself?
Hideki and Ray are destined to meet — and when they do, both their lives will be changed forever.
Full summary[]
The novel begins with the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, where Hideki finds himself thrust into the horrors of war. As a reluctant soldier, he struggles with his duty and questions the reasons behind the conflict. Meanwhile, Ray, an American Marine, is tasked with taking the island of Okinawa as part of the Allied forces.
When the paths of Hideki and Ray cross in a dramatic encounter, their lives intertwine. Through their perspectives, the novel explores the devastating impact of war on both sides, highlighting the humanity and shared experiences of individuals caught in the midst of conflict.
As the story unfolds, Hideki and Ray face difficult choices that challenge their notions of loyalty, sacrifice, and compassion. The narrative sheds light on the complexities of war and its consequences, emphasizing the devastating toll it takes on the lives of those involved.
Grenade delves into themes of empathy, resilience, and the universal desire for peace amid the chaos of war. Gratz's writing captures the intensity and emotional weight of the characters' experiences, immersing readers in the harrowing reality of World War II.
The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the lasting impact it has on individuals and communities. Through the perspectives of Hideki and Ray, Grenade offers a compelling exploration of the bonds forged in extraordinary circumstances and the power of compassion in the face of adversity.
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Sources[]
- Alan Gratz's website
- Goodreads
- The book itself