LDRL Recommends

Lisa says, “This novel is a historical fiction written by Michelle Shocklee.  It takes place in Oak Ridge Tennessee during World War II. Maebelle Willet arrives in Oak Ridge in 1944, to start her new job with the government. She knows little about her new job, other than it will help America win the war.  Amidst much secrecy at the plant, the Oak Ridge employees are informed they are not to discuss their work with anyone.  Her roommate starts sharing upsetting information and quickly disappears.

      In 1979, Maebelle Willet’s niece, Laurel comes to visit her Aunt Maebelle to get information from her about her job at Manhattan Project, to help write her thesis for her graduate studies.  Laurel learns very quickly that her Aunt Maebelle doesn’t want to talk about the Manhattan Project.  She tells her what is in the past needs to stay in the past.

      It is a captivating dual time-line novel about the weight of one’s secrets in life and the power of forgiveness.