Book Request

Hi folks!

I’m writing a novel that’s set partly in present day small-town North Carolina and partly in the Pacific during WWII.  It’s not a war story, per se, though there are several combat scenes based on Okinawa.  However, the heart of the story lies with my female protagonist, an 85-year-old southern bell who receives a long lost letter from her husband, dated 1945, and begins an investigation into her husband’s past military career.

My question is, can y’all recommend any novels (war novels even) where the narrative shifts between two settings, one in present day and one in past?  And perhaps any which deal with similar subject mater, i.e., war, the unearthing of secrets, old folks (older romance),  memory and memory loss (male protagonist has Alzheimer’s), shame, forgiveness, etc.  WWII Pacific Theatre would be helpful too.

Seems like so many war novels either  center around the combat, or else they harp on about bravery and/ or the futility of war… themes which might come into my story but are not the focus.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks