Book Blurb:
War can bring out humanity's monstrous side. But amidst the nightmare of conflict, there exist entities even more monstrous... more sinister.
Life in Sasebo is difficult enough for Takeshi and Yuki. But with the death of their parents, things went from bad to worse. Living in harsh economic conditions with an abusive aunt and uncle causes Takeshi to look for any way out.
In order to improve their situation, young Takeshi makes the honorable choice to enlist in Japan’s Imperial Army.
However, it quickly becomes clear to Takeshi that being stationed in a tropical island paradise does nothing to shield him from the horrors of war. Takeshi begins to walk a very fine line, pitting his very humanity against his loyalty and obedience to the Emperor.
But brutal, merciless Japanese soldiers are not the only thing to fear on this island.
Something dark and powerful inhabits these jungles, challenging the presence of the Imperial Army. When reports of invisible enemies and a mysterious illness begin spreading amongst the soldiers, Takeshi begins to realize there is far more at stake here than anybody first realized.
Takeshi’s struggle for survival and redemption only intensifies as an American invasion looms closer with every passing moment.
Time—and hope—are quickly running out.
But who is he fighting? Who can he save? And what is this mysterious force that threatens to eradicate the Japanese invaders?
Join Takeshi in Guardians of the Latte Stones, a page-turning historical fiction novel that intertwines Chamorro legend and real-life World War II events.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/3ceJF
Author Bio:
I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Guam. I am of mixed ethnicity but am proud of my Chamorro heritage and ancestry.
I am new to writing for entertainment. I had a late start, now being in my 50’s. I’ve had stories in my head for many years. But only now do I have the opportunity and support to finally share them. It is my hope that, through my stories, readers will become more interested in learning more about Guam and the Chamorro culture.
Editorial Review:
"Guardians of the Latte Stones" is an emotional and profound story written by MK Aleja. The book explores the challenging life of the Yoshida family in a tumultuous historical context,
providing readers with insight into Japan during the period leading up to World War II.
The prologue immerses the reader in the atmosphere filled with concerns and sufferings of
the Yoshida family:
“His father, Kenji, belonged to an even older generation than the one he
was part of. He didn’t believe that you should lie down to illness, but in recent weeks, there had been no choice. His condition had worsened. He had lost his job at the shipyards and times were hard. He cleared his throat a little more and struggled to sit up.”
The detailed descriptions of the father Kenji's deteriorating health and the family's struggle to cope with financial difficulties paint a vivid picture of their lives. The dialogues among family members
reveal not only their strong bonds but also the social and economic pressures they experience.
The story continues to revolve around Takeshi, the young protagonist, and his sister Yuki.
Their special relationship adds warmth and humor amid the challenges. Despite the harsh
conditions, Yuki remains optimistic and lively, and their sibling love story adds depth and
authenticity to the narrative.
As the narrative unfolds, the book also explores cultural and social aspects of Japanese
society at that time. Details about family traditions, rituals, and characters' perceptions bring
notable authenticity to the story. Fragments related to Takeshi's intention to enlist in the army
introduce an element of suspense and uncertainty. Questions about his future and its impact
on his family add an intriguing additional dimension.
As readers journey through the book's pages, they can observe the author's ability to capture
not only the dramatic aspects of life but also the beauty and strength of the human spirit in the
face of adversity. The discussion between Takeshi and Uncle Taro brings forth fears and
desires, emphasizing the complexity of the enlistment process and its impact on the
individual. Questions about one's own death transform into an awareness of the importance of
memories and the acknowledgment of sacrifice in the name of the country: „“Will I die?”
“We all die. The blessed die in the name of our leader. The rest are less fortunate”
The Bushido Code and military training are presented in detail, highlighting the authorities'
continuous efforts to mold young recruits into dedicated soldiers. Their resistance to brutal
training methods adds an element of humanity and vulnerability in a rigid and disciplined
context.
“Even after all the training at school, and the constant reinforcement of the code of Bushido, there was still the weakness of a grain of truth within their understanding. War was wrong. There was no public mourning for the sons who didn’t return home, but in private, families always felt their loss.”
During the waiting period before heading to the front, Takeshi engages in a martial arts-style
duel, providing readers with a glimpse of intense training and a desire to showcase his skills.
In this moment, he reveals his hopes for the future, and his relationship with his sister Yuki
remains a crucial pillar in his life.
As the departure moment approaches, Takeshi reflects on the teachings and values imparted
by his teachers, emphasizing the deep cultural and ideological roots guiding young soldiers
on their path to war. Details about rituals and military practices paint an authentic picture of
Japanese society during that time. The atmosphere of tension and brutality is heightened by
the presence of officers like Corporal Miyashita and Hayashi, who enforce military discipline
with brutality and violence. Takeshi and his comrade Fuji successfully pass the examination,
but the moment is overshadowed by the harsh treatment inflicted on the locals to form a labor
detachment.
Amidst the war, Takeshi observes changes in the behavior of his colleagues, reflecting on the
discrepancy between the Bushido code and military actions. The story details the tense
waiting period before the arrival of the Americans and preparations for the defense of the
island, with a touch of national pride.
The onset of battles brings vivid perspectives on the chaos and perils of war, highlighting
tragedies, losses, and moral dilemmas. The introduction of Corporal Suzuki adds brutality,
and the description of the military hospital brings a sinister note.
Takeshi begins to question his future and the reasons for his fight. His struggles regarding the
possibility of captivity and plans to pretend to be Chamorro underscore the character's deep
internal conflicts:
“When are the Americans coming? In the light of day, his mind was beginning to have doubts.[...] The complications of the plan started to fill his head. Last night, everything had seemed straightforward, but now he had time to think. The Americans would capture him as a prisoner. Would they even leave him on the island? He knew he still had to take his chance.”
The Taicho's speech adds a dramatic and tense tone, anticipating the imminent American
attack and imposing drastic measures against the locals. This sequence reveals the moral and
human decay within the ranks of the Japanese army.
In a tragic note, Takeshi receives a letter from his home, revealing Yuki's death, an event that
deepens the character's suffering and loneliness. Details about Yuki's tragic end enhance the
emotional impact of the scene:
“This is Ryo writing to you. I wanted to let you know how things were at home. It is very quiet here at the moment, but we have enough food and my mother is doing her best to take care of cooking the rice. Though it's not as good as Yuki's was. Yuki is no longer with us Takeshi. [...] I have written this letter in the hope that you see it soon. Maybe they will let you come home and pray for her.”
The intense bombardment brings tension to the island of Guam, with the Japanese preparing
for the imminent American invasion. The military leader, Taicho, develops a plan based on
faith in the Taotaomo'na, adding complexity to his decision.
Takeshi and Elena's attempts to seek the support of the Taotaomo'na introduce a spiritual and
cultural dimension to the conflict. The Japanese soldier's suicide attempt highlights
desperation in the face of defeat, and Elena's loss deepens the tragic atmosphere.
In the unsettling conclusion of "Guardians of the Latte Stones," Takeshi confronts a
staggering tragedy in the destroyed cave. Elena's loss, the love of his life, pushes him to the
brink of despair and suffering. Scenes of pain and sorrow illustrate the devastating impact of
war on the characters' lives and on the island of Guam as a whole.
The tragic incident reveals another dimension of Takeshi's character, who, despite his own
pain, finds the strength to help those who survive. His attempt to save others, including
Hiroshi, showcases his evolution and inner strength. His relationships with Yuki and later
with Elena were bright spots in Takeshi's life, and now he faces a harsh reality. The moment
when he covers the lifeless body of his beloved and offers prayers for her journey to the
heavens adds a note of solemnity and cultural respect.
As Takeshi faces captivity and American interrogations, he witnesses their ignorance
regarding Chamorro beliefs and practices. His efforts to warn them about the Taotaomo'na are
dismissed, adding an element of sadness and frustration to the story.
While Takeshi reflects on his life, the story concludes with a note of melancholy and his
persistent desire to remain close to the spirits of Guam, regardless of his place in the world:
“As the weeks and months went on, he would try to glimpse the apparitions that gave him some comfort whenever they appeared; a hazy shoreline, or through the clearings of a ranch, the fringes of the jungle, or the hills that stretched out from sea-tosea. Takeshi would look for signs of Yuki and Elena wherever he was—whatever he was doing. When the war ended they returned the captured men to Japan, but Takeshi’s heart always remained in Guam. For as long as he lived, he never returned to the island, to the place where he really wanted to be—beside the lake and by the Latte stones. ”
"Guardians of the Latte Stones" provides a profound insight into the Pacific War experience,
highlighting not only armed conflicts but also the spiritual and cultural dimension of Guam.
The author's style in illustrating the complexity of characters and historical context
contributes to creating a memorable and thought-provoking work. Beyond its captivating
storyline, the book intricately delves into the hearts and souls of its characters. M.K. Aleja
succeeds in crafting a complex narrative, rich in emotion and meaning, with well-defined
characters and an authentic atmosphere. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a
compelling read, full of depth and lessons about human resilience in the face of challenges.
*****
“Guardians of the Latte Stones” by M.K. Aleja receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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