07/19/2021
In Green’s gratifying sophomore novel (following Things We Didn’t Say), WWII serves as the backdrop to a tense investigation into forest fires. In 1945, Quaker Gordon Cooper persuades his best friend, Jack Armitage, to apply for conscientious objector status. Being granted objector status, both end up in Oregon as smoke jumpers, helping to put out wildfires. Before the war, Gordon was sweet on Jack’s sister, Dorie, but she breaks his heart with her unabashed disdain for conscientious objectors. Meanwhile, Dorie decides to join the Women’s Army Corps and is assigned as a mechanic in Seattle. In the midst of an unusual surge of winter fires, Jack is badly injured while stationed at the lookout tower. Unable to come to terms with why Jack would run into the fire instead of sounding the alarm, Gordon battles the district ranger for information. When Dorie appears at Flintlock Mountain purporting to be conducting an Army investigation, Dorie and Gordon soon realize they must work together if they have any hope of finding out what really happened to Jack. Green creates an enthralling narrative that will keep readers guessing until the end. As new insights force Gordon and Dorie to grapple with their principles, one ideal emerges paramount: the truth actually can set one free. Green’s fans will love this. (Aug.)
