Orange Grove Goes to War is a vivid account of a little boy's
experiences growing up in Los Angeles on the eve of World War II. As the
book opens, young Gary introduces the reader to the colorful neighbors
and relatives who form a motley but loving extended family at his small
apartment complex on Orange Grove. Although his mother and father are
absent, leading Gary to wonder if he's an orphan, his multiple surrogate
parents - including a Hollywood director and his alcoholic brother, a
B-movie dancer, a vibrant Cuban émigré and a faded Southern belle -
ensure he's well fed, well dressed, and fully immersed in their
escapades. Gary's carefree existence is shattered in December 1941 by
the dramatic
announcement of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Gary must assume
responsibilities beyond his years as his family scrambles to support the
war effort and contends with blackouts, rationing, and fears of
invasion. Gary recounts the terrifying night of the Battle of Los
Angeles, when residents believed enemy bombs were falling on their city.
And in searing emotional detail, Gary relates how two of his beloved
family members were caught up in the war arena, their fates uncertain.
By turns harrowing, humorous, and wistful, Orange Grove Goes to War is
both a deeply personal memoir and an ode to the city of Los Angeles from
an earlier time.
