The Pieces We Keep by Northwest writer Kristina McMorris is a gripping multilayered story steeped in rich details and deep emotions. Newly widowed Audra Hughes hopes to get a fresh start by leaving Portland and accepting a veterinary job in Philadelphia. When she and her son Jack, seven, attempt to fly to Boston for her interview, Jack has a panic attack. Jack’s fears continue in the form of violent nightmares that threaten to consume him. An Afghanistan veteran Sean Malloy, struggling with his own injuries, becomes a part of their lives, but triggers in Jack memories that would be impossible for him to have.
The book alternates from present day to the war years, beginning in 1939 London, England. Vivian James is having a clandestine affair with Isaak, an American of German decent. As the war rages on, Vivian’s life becomes more complicated as she attempts to help Isaak extricate his relatives from Nazi Germany. Vivian finds herself embroiled in an FBI investigation involving German saboteurs in the United States.
Alternating between time periods, it becomes clear that there is a link between present day, World War II and Jack’s vivid nightmares.
The Pieces We Keep emphasizes the importance of family bonds and loyalty. Kristina McMorris does an excellent job of developing her characters in their respective time periods. Her research in many aspects of this novel was extensive and the story she weaves is believable. I highly recommend this book.