‘In Blood, Flowers Bloom’: The Return of War Trophies

The author shows a journey to create peace and reconciliation through the act of returning of battlefield souvenirs.

Author Samantha Breshehan recounts how war trophies are returned, "In Blood, Flowers Bloom" Public Affairs

The title of this book comes from a poem inscribed on a family flag, worn by a Japanese soldier in World War II. How it ended up in a shed near Buffalo, New York, in 2003 is the basis for this thrilling and elaborately researched account by award-winning journalist Samantha Bresnahan.

“In Blood, Flowers Bloom: A World War II Story of Valor and Forgiveness Across Generations” chronicles in rich detail the story of how a rolled-up rag meant for the trash became a symbol for healing, reconciliation, and friendship between two former enemies.

Battlefield Souvenirs

Central to the story are battlefield souvenirs. Swords, knives, family flags, personal documents, and other items considered “war trophies” were removed from the bodies of dead soldiers.