Two Sons of China

Book excerpt: “Compelling . . . Gritty in its historical detail . . . An eye-opening novel about a little known story at the far side of World War II” (Anita Shreve, New York Times–bestselling author of The Pilot’s Wife). Inspired by true events, Two Sons of China is a sweeping historical saga from a forgotten theater of World War II, an action-packed tale about an unlikely friendship between two soldiers—one American, the other, Communist Chinese—and the powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart. In 1944, American troops have arrived in China to help fight the Japanese. Lt. David Parker loathes his assignment to isolated Chungking. The war there is stalled because Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist government is corrupt and unwilling to fight. So when Parker hears of a special American mission venturing north to assist Mao Zedong’s Communist forces, he is desperate to join them. Rumors have spread that the Communists are fighting the Japanese with heroic zeal. Lin Yuen, a reclusive and skilled Communist guerilla leader, can scarcely hide his annoyance when Lieutenant Parker is assigned to join his next dangerous mission behind enemy lines. Both men have deeply held, clashing convictions, but the battles they fight, the horrors they witness, and the brotherhood they forge ultimately transform them both. As the end of World War II forces America to take sides in an impending Nationalist-Communist civil war, Parker and Yuen find their loyalties tested. Together, they must confront a final trial—one that imperils the honor they cherish and the people they love. “Two Sons of China takes you to WWII China, introduces you to a fascinating cast of characters, and spins a terrific tale of adventure and romance. If you love historical fiction, or any fiction, don’t miss it. A superb debut.” —William Martin, New York Times–bestselling author of Back Bay and The Lincoln Letter