The Long March Home is a moving World War II novel that follows the harrowing journey of three childhood friends—Jimmy, Hank, and Billy—who enlist in the U.S. Army just before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story tracks their struggles in the Pacific Theater, where they endure the brutal realities of war, including the infamous Bataan Death March, testing the strength of their friendship and their will to survive.
The narrative alternates between their carefree childhood in Mobile, Alabama, and their traumatic experiences as soldiers. As members of the Thirty-First Infantry in Manila, the friends are captured and forced into a grueling 60-mile march up the Bataan Peninsula, followed by unimaginable horrors in the camps. Narrated by preacher’s son Jimmy Propfield, the novel vividly portrays the unimaginable hardships of starvation, disease, and brutality that the soldiers faced.
The authors masterfully depict the stark realities of war while capturing the deep bond between the friends. The two timelines work seamlessly, enhancing the depth of the characters and the urgency of their fight for survival. The first-person narration adds an intimate, immediate feel to the story, making it even more gut-wrenching and inspiring. I found myself deeply connected to the characters, rooting for their survival and cherishing their bond.
Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a powerful tale of resilience, brotherhood, and the human spirit. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in real-life accounts of war and survival. This is a winner! 5 stars.