An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze - Book Review

An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze by David Scott Richardson narrates the poignant story of 15-year-old Scotty Johannsen and his perspective on life in Seattle during the tumultuous year of 1943 amidst the backdrop of the Second World War. As the war raged, Scotty grapples with the complexities of adolescence while his hometown remains on high alert, fearing potential attacks from Japanese or German forces. The atmosphere is thick with uncertainty, and the community is united in its efforts to support the war. Scotty's family plays a significant role in this collective endeavor; his father serves as an air raid warden, which comes with great responsibility. His duties involved ensuring that every community member adhered to strict regulations designed for their safety. This included enforcing the rules of preparedness for an air attack, which meant that the city must plunge into total darkness every night—no car lights and all windows tightly covered to prevent any light from escaping. This precaution aimed to make it more difficult for any attacking force to locate the city under the cover of night. Scotty often reflects on how these wartime measures impacted his daily life, friendships, and dreams of the future, creating a vivid portrait of a young boy coming of age in a world overshadowed by war.

During this chaotic time, Scotty tried to lead an everyday life, balancing the challenges of going to school, making friends, and enjoying his teenage years while constantly being aware of the frightening chance of war coming to home. He was acutely aware of the underlying horror that loomed over them all. At his school, they regularly conducted drills where the kids would practice taking cover under their desks, simulating what they would need to do in preparation for a potential air raid by the Japanese or Germans. The tension in the air was palpable during these drills, as everyone understood the gravity of the situation. In addition to navigating the complexities of adolescence, Scotty was also involved in a clandestine group of resourceful teenagers. Together, they took on the mission of uncovering the identity of the individual responsible for starting multiple fires that had devastated various neighborhoods across Seattle. As they pooled their skills and insights, Scotty found himself immersed in dangerous yet thrilling adventures, all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the chaos surrounding them.

When one of his own family members becomes a suspect in the Seattle fires, it creates a profound emotional and moral dilemma for Scotty. He is utterly shocked and struggles to comprehend the situation; the idea that someone from his family could be involved in such a heinous act is unfathomable. Scotty has always believed that his family members, who are committed to principles like preparing for blackouts, building bomb shelters, rationing supplies, and cultivating victory gardens, would never abandon their values to assist the enemy. This conflict gnaws at him as he wonders what could drive a family member to betray their own beliefs in such a shocking way. Meanwhile, Scotty and his friends yearn to embrace their adolescent years, seeking solace in the peaceful embrace of Seattle's Ravenna Park. This serene setting serves as their sanctuary, where their imaginations can run wild and free, allowing them to escape the harsh realities of the world around them and enjoy being young. As the group of friends navigates their new reality, they must also confront the possibility that the person behind the Seattle fires may be someone much closer to them than they ever imagined. This realization forces them to question their own perceptions and beliefs, leading to a coming-of-age journey that is filled with both danger and self-discovery.

Through Scotty's experiences, readers are given insight into the complexities of human nature. The story delves into themes of loyalty, trust, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. This dynamic coming-of-age story explores themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and trust while also touching on larger issues of patriotism, fear, and prejudice. It offers a thought-provoking reflection on the consequences of war and how it can tear apart communities and individuals in unexpected ways. But ultimately, it is a story about hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light and goodness to be found.