The Last Year of the War

In The Last Year of the War, acclaimed author Susan Meissner tells the poignant story of Elise Sontag, a German American teenager whose life is irrevocably altered when her immigrant family is interned during World War II. After her father is arrested, Elise finds herself stripped of her identity and familiar comforts in a Texas camp, where she forms a bond with fellow internee Mariko Inoue. Together, they cling to the dream of a future beyond the camp’s confines, but as circumstances shift and the Sontag family faces an uncertain fate, Elise must confront the prejudices surrounding her to reclaim her destiny. This captivating narrative sheds light on a little-known aspect of history, prompting reflection on identity and resilience in challenging times.