Harold Watts, the author’s great uncle, enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII, became a corporal, and was killed in action in Germany in 1944. This book tells his story, and that of his extended family, through letters sent by and to various family members.
The book first outlines the family trees of both sides of Harold’s family. This is followed by the
letters, including a brief introduction of each writer preceding their first letter. The book spans 14
years, from 1934–1948.
Well-organized and easy to follow, the letters transport readers to the time before instant
communication, when loved ones’ notes traveled slowly. The writers’ hopes, dreams, fears,
grief, and hardships come through in a tangible way. Women’s anxiety about receiving a
dreaded telegram, even as daily life went on, is palpable.
Throughout the difficulties, family members kept their sense of humor and wit. Harold’s dislike
for a job was apparent when he described the only two people to speak with there: One was like
a radio (you only have to turn it on), the other “like static on a stormy night.” In another letter,
Harold’s brother recounts how, at his station in Kansas, officers were everywhere, so when
going out on a Saturday night he had to be a “veritable saluting demon to walk down the street.”
Because the search for Harold was relatively short and doesn’t consume a large part of the
book, as would be expected by the title, the narrative feels rather anticlimactic. Portions of the
book go into the minutiae of the family’s history, limiting its audience. Likewise, the
overwhelming number of characters makes it difficult to keep track of who’s who. Finally, some
of the letters contain repeat information.
Due to such issues, the book will most appeal to the author’s family and friends, although
history buffs might appreciate this glimpse into the daily life of civilians and soldiers during one
of history’s greatest conflicts.
June 2026