The Last Thing You Surrender
A Novel
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4.8 • 32 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Three Americans in the Jim Crow South face enormous changed triggered by World War II in this epic novel by the Pulitzer-winning author of Freeman.
Could you find the courage to do what’s right in a world on fire?
An affluent white marine survives Pearl Harbor at the cost of a black messman’s life only to be sent, wracked with guilt, to the Pacific and taken prisoner by the Japanese. A young black woman, widowed by the same events at Pearl Harbor, finds unexpected opportunity and a dangerous friendship in a segregated Alabama shipyard feeding the war. Meanwhile, a black man, who as a child saw his parents brutally lynched, is conscripted to fight Nazis for a country he despises and discovers a new kind of patriotism in the all-black 761st Tank Battalion . . .
Set against a backdrop of violent racial conflict on both the front lines and the home front, The Last Thing You Surrender explores the powerful moral struggles of individuals from a divided nation. What does it take to change someone’s mind about race? What does it take for a country and a people to move forward, transformed?
Praise for The Last Thing You Surrender
“A story of our nation at war, with itself as well as tyranny across the globe. It’s an American tapestry of hatred, compassion, fear, courage, and cruelties, leavened with the promise of triumph. A powerful story I will not soon forget.” —James R. Benn, author of the Billy Boyle WWII mysteries
“Seamlessly integrates impressive research into a compelling tale of America at war—overseas, at home, and within ourselves, as we struggle to find the better angels of our nature. Pitts poignantly illustrates ongoing racial and class tensions, and offers hope that we can overcome hatred by refusing to sacrifice dignity.” —Booklist, starred review
Customer Reviews
Best book read in awhile
The Last Thing You Surrender profoundly resonated with me on a deeply personal level, leaving me feeling exposed, raw, and enlightened about both my own history and that of my ancestors. As a Black woman and a veteran, this book stirred powerful emotions within me—emotions that I had not fully anticipated.
The story is masterfully told, pulling you in with a narrative that is both gripping and haunting. It forced me to confront not only the brutal realities of our past, but also the stark contradictions we continue to face in America today. Though we may think we have made progress, this book reminds us that, in many ways, we are still grappling with the same struggles of segregation, discrimination, and ignorance that have marked the history of Black soldiers, sailors, and marines.
I was struck by how little I knew about the experiences of Black servicemen in previous generations—how their service was often overlooked, their sacrifices diminished. The emotional weight of that realization was overwhelming, but the book also taught me about resilience, bravery, and the enduring power of those who served under such oppressive conditions. I felt this history in my bones, and it left an imprint on my soul.
This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, evoking both anger and gratitude in equal measure. It’s an eye-opening exploration of the past, one that challenges you to reflect on the present and the future. I highly recommend it, and I’m grateful to have encountered such a powerful narrative.
Lest we forget!
Stories we try to forget but must always remember! A book for all generations to read, reflect on and share!