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Why tell a World War II story from both the American and Japanese perspective?
In this episode of Between the Pages, Bradford Press founder Brad Hanson takes listeners behind one of the most important creative decisions in writing The Secret Eye. Rather than telling the story through the eyes of only one nation, Brad explores why he chose to follow two young men—Charlie Brand, an American radar operator, and Hadaki Yamatsumi, a Japanese pilot—whose lives are forever changed by the same war.
Discover how Charlie Brand was inspired by the quiet service of real WWII radar operator Charlie Stainer, and why Hadaki was never written as "the enemy," but as another son, another brother, and another young man answering what he believed was his calling.
Brad discusses the research behind the novel, the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction, and why childhood memories, family traditions, faith, love, and grief were just as important to the story as aircraft carriers and radar.
Through readings from The Secret Eye, you'll discover how historical fiction allows us to see beyond battles and military strategy to the human lives forever shaped by war.
Because before history remembered them as enemies...
They were simply two sons.
Two nations.
One war that changed them forever.
In this episode you'll discover:- Why The Secret Eye alternates between American and Japanese perspectives.
- The real-life inspiration behind Charlie Brand.
- How Hadaki Yamatsumi became one of the novel's most compelling characters.
- The importance of empathy in historical fiction.
- Why ordinary people often tell the most extraordinary stories.
If you enjoy today's episode, please follow Between the Pages, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who loves books, history, or the writing process.
Go beyond the last page by joining the Bradford Press Society on Patreon, reading behind-the-scenes essays on Substack, or visiting BradfordPress.net to discover more stories.
You can find The Secret Eye on Amazon: The Secret Eye
Between the Pages is the official podcast of Bradford Press, where we explore the stories behind the stories—and discover why stories still matter.
Historical Fiction • World War II • Radar • USS Lexington • Pacific War • Radar Operators • MIT Radiation Laboratory • Charlie Brand • WWII History • Writing Process • Historical Research • Authors • Independent Publishing • Between the Pages • Bradford Press
