An Alcove in the Heart ebook or printed book

Sidney Diamond and Estelle Spero (my mother) had met before WWII and became best friends and sweethearts in early adolescence, and the way seemed clear to marriage—until Pearl Harbor.

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The letters written by Lt. Sidney Diamond to Estelle Spero, his sweetheart, constitute, in the words of Andrew Carroll, editor of the best-seller War Letters, "a riveting war-time account that is also a compelling love story". A quote from one of Sid's letters was, and maybe still is, prominently displayed at the National D-Day Museum, now National WWII Museum, in New Orleans, over an exhibit on the Philippines campaign. One of his letters was also blown up large and is featured on a wall of the Intrepid Museum in New York harbor.

The author, Estelle Spero Lynch, was invited to multiple memorial and book reading events to share from An Alcove in the Heart, and the book was distributed by National Public Radio for two years as a reward for contributors to stations in the South and Midwest.

Sidney Diamond and Estelle Spero had met and become best friends and sweethearts in early adolescence, and the way seemed clear to marriage—until Pearl Harbor. Sid left college to enlist, but, determined to maintain the closeness of their relationship despite time and distance, wrote to Estelle almost every day. These letters, powerful, insightful, and moving, also reflect the humor that was part of Sid's nature. He served in the South Pacific as an officer, last, on Luzon, in the battle to take back the Philippines.

He received two commendations for action against the enemy in the Solomon Islands, and the Silver Star, posthumously, for “his indomitable courage, determination, and skill” in the fighting on Luzon.

When Estelle learned of his death, she promised herself to do something, somehow, to prevent his name from sinking into oblivion.

With this book, she kept her promise. Estelle chose from among the 525 of Sid's witty, original, and eloquent letters she had kept, and wrote headnotes for them. In these letters, Sid describes his experiences, affirms his belief in his country, and expresses his love for Estelle and his hopes for their future.