This Light Between Us: A Novel of World War II

Alex frequently describes himself as a turtle boy with his head in the clouds. Despite his introversion, however, it is Alex, not Frank, who ultimately takes charge. Examine Alex’s character throughout the novel. How does he change and grow as a person? What motivates this personal growth?

Fukuda uses Alex and Charlie’s letters to compare the parallels in the persecution of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor and of French Jews during the Nazi occupation of France. What similar conditions do Charlie and Alex face in the novel? How does it impact their view of their home countries?

Persecution brings a great sense of shame to the persecuted. How is the theme of shame expressed in This Light Between Us? How do Alex, Charlie, and Frank respond to the shame they feel? Discuss at least three examples from the text.