In The Shadows Of The Sun by Alexander Parsons

 

There have been Stricklands on the ranch since the 1800's.  These days, those living at the ranch are the family's two brothers, Ross and Bayliss and their families.  Ross is married to Sara and they have two children, a daughter and an 18 year old son.  Bayliss is married to Alida and they also have a daughter.  Alida isn't happy with the farming life as she had to give up her teaching career to live there. 

The year is 1941 and the war is raging.  As the United States declares war after Pearl Harbor, it creates a family controversy.  Jack, Ross and Sara's son, is determined to join the army and his father is determined to keep him on the farm.  But once he is of age, it doesn't matter what his father wants and Jack goes off to war.  He is stationed in Bataan and is taken prisoner where he remains for several years.  His family is wrongfully notified that he was killed in the battle where he was taken prisoner and the effect of his death tears the families apart.  The government is confiscating the ranch for a shooting range and the brothers must decide on what they will do.  Marriages will end and one brother will be caught up in a tragedy that affects them all.

Although there are lots of World War II novels, this one is unique in its picture of how the war affected those who remained behind.  The presence of a family member in danger affected everyone in the family and if that presence result in death or disfigurement, it could be a blow that the family could not come back from.  Even if there were no family members in danger, war can ask sacrifices from everyone and the willingness of undergoing those sacrifices can vary greatly.  This book is recommended for readers of historical fiction.