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Eye Contact Over Truk
“Woodman’s incisive style captivates from the first lines, leading the reader through an exploration of human depths, suffering, forgiveness, and rebirth.” — The Historical Fiction Company
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Description
A retired WW2 pilot dives on the ship he sank, looking for what—or who?
AMERICA, 1985: Nick Mitchel’s world is shattered by his beloved wife’s death. His passion for his work evaporates, leaving no other barrier to his dark memories of the war. After nightmares and depression take over, a childhood friend pushes him to go back and face long-buried truths. But the diving expedition in the Pacific Ocean he’d hoped would heal old wounds takes an unexpected turn.
JAPAN: Junichi Takahashi is angry and desperate to be free, but not clear on what to be free from. As the son, who loves his father dearly, and, though he resents it, he vows to fulfill the dying man’s request. After his own childhood horrors from the war re-emerge, touring the devastated ship his father served on is the last thing he wants to do. Never suspecting that on this journey, he would find the target for his anger.
When the two meet, enemies reignite in a dangerous battle of perspectives.
Praise
“Woodman deftly captures the moral dilemmas and guilt that so often follows a confrontation with the long-term impact of our actions, avoiding common pitfalls of romanticizing and dehumanizing soldiers’ experiences…the novel offers rich historical insights on the attack on Truk in particular but also, more broadly, the overlooked reality of the costs of war.” — Booklife
“Author Stephanie Woodman created a perfect story of emotions, past trauma, healing wounds, and learning to live with your trauma…The descriptions were incredible, and the imagery of the lagoon was breathtaking. I loved each moment of the story and highly recommend it.” — Readers’ Favorite
“Don’t be deterred by thinking it is a study in gloom and somberness; despite those themes, it is surprisingly lovely and even uplifting to read.” — Matt McAvoy Book Review
“The characters are so meticulously developed that their emotions resonate deeply with the reader…is a novel that will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.” — The Coffee Pot Book Club
“Woodman skillfully blends detailed descriptions of the underwater landscape with deep introspective reflections, creating an intense and poetic atmosphere…a powerful message about forgiveness, healing, and rediscovering the joy of living.” — The Historical Fiction Company
“Unique, original, deftly crafted, a riveting read from start to finish, and all the more impressive when considering that it is the author’s debut as a novelist..” — Midwest Book Review
“A heart-wrenching and insightful exploration of the social and psychological cost of war wrapped in an entertaining and well-crafted story.” — Reedsy Discovery
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