Dear Laura

Why would the Empire of Japan imprison 5 Dutch radio engineers, hold their families hostage, and move them all from Indonesia to Japan? And why would one of them die? It started with a bench--a simple, handmade wooden bench, handed down through the years--and a whispered comment at a child's birthday party that hinted at something much darker beneath its surface. From that moment on, Laura Elliott knew there was more to her father's story. Through heartfelt letters written across decades, oceans, and generations, and during her travels across the world she begins piecing together her father's hidden past, guided by his enduring spirit and love, especially when she's at her most vulnerable. As Laura delves deeper, she not only uncovers a surprising family story shaped by resilience, displacement, and the quiet heroism that lives in ordinary people, but a lost chapter of WWII. Told with warmth, curiosity, and reverence for the past, Dear Laura is a testament to the lifelong adventure of understanding those we love. It is a deeply personal account of questions finally asked, healing that comes from bearing witness to the truth, and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. This is more than a memoir, it's an unraveling of a mystery, a reclaiming of legacy, and a powerful reminder that sometimes the most incredible stories are those buried closest to home.