Brothers, Lift Your Voices

Book excerpt: The year is 1944, and as the world undergoes one of modern history’s most horrific eras, the Langstaff family strives to remain connected despite the oceans and battlegrounds that separate them. Brothers, Lift Your Voices is an epic compilation of letters sent between the Langstaffs during WWII, with one of them practicing theatre in Europe, and another serving the military in Japan, undergoing unimaginable stress and strife. As the letters progress, more and more details about the war—as well as the traumatic toll it is taking on the family members’ well-being, both physical and emotional—are slowly revealed. Against all odds, and with unfaltering courage, these correspondences serve as a testimony to the power of humankind’s greatest capacity: to love. Brothers, Lift Your Voices is a unique WWII book that offers readers an intimate, vivid exploration of life during those trying times from multiple perspectives; each family member shares his or her thoughts and experiences from wherever they are (and in whatever condition), and each consistently affirms their fondness and dedication to one another. There are moments of hope and optimism, and there are moments of fear and vulnerability. The Langstaffs’ story is an invitation for readers to empathize with those who endured the war, bringing to the surface evocative messages regarding the futility of fighting and the fragility of life; it also serves as a brilliant reminder of the strength of the human spirit when imbued with love, support, and faith.