maria@sevenbowlsofrice.com
Love, Faith, and Rice
..were Lt. Whitney Langlois' keys to survival of 3 WWII Japanese POW camps and three "Hell Ships". A riveting novel..
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What people are saying about
Seven Bowls of Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insight to WW II and the families of those who served
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2022
Very good read. Well written and very thought provoking.
TB 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2022, Verified Purchase I couldn’t put this book down.
BG 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021 Verified Purchase This is a wonderful story and very very well written!
Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2021 Verified Purchase Seven Bowls of Rice is one of the best books I have ever read. Everyone should read this book to learn what these servicemen endured for our country. A story that needed to be told and Maria D’Antoni did an honorable job. I simply could not put the book down. Thank you for the experience of being taken through that time in our history.
Kindle Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars Whitney
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021 Verified Purchase The horrors of war are related in this story by a survivors daughter. She details romance and dreams that are suspended by the terrible day to day life lived in a war and as a prisoner of that war. Survival was the struggle and faith and hope brought a few of them home to recover some of the dreams.
Pat Behring 5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2021 Verified Purchase This was a fantastic book on survival. Bring a true story even impressed me more. That was a tragic war, and we lost so many men who endured such hell to survive. Faith and believing in Jesus was very apparent. A must read, thanks to the author who wrote this book
renee mathews 5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021 Verified Purchase A beautiful story of love and faith. Her descriptions make the story come alive. Please read. Way to go Maria!
5.0 out of 5 stars Seven Bowls of Hope
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is the place I usually find myself after reading a very affecting book...and this is one. I am of the same age group as the author and most of what she spoke to was the thread of my life in rural South Texas and later San Antonio.
If you are younger then please, please read and absorb anyway. These stories are the basis of our American pride and our history and our families. What they tell us we must pass on to the next generation so that they will know why they must honor the veterans in their families, why they must revere the elders of the family. God bless America!
GDPLewis
Thank you for your supportive review. It is indeed my hope that this book will reach the younger generation! I am shocked by how few people know the story of the men of Bataan in WWII . It is our history and must not be forgotten! Maria D'Antoni
Patricia5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Maria! Your father's story captured me!
Reviewed on Amazon on April 16, 2021I had to read this book! My father fought in the Philippines WWII. He left four babies behind with his beloved wife! He would never tell us of those years. He would come home critically ill! This is your father's story. Since neither my mom and dad were willing to tell their story, if only they would have. I am a 70-year old woman now! There is a hole in the knowledge of these years in our family history! I will never know how terrible the war was for him. Yet, I know he earned his reward as one of the Greatest Generation. After he came home...he and mother would welcome four more children. I was the seventh child! They are gone and we miss them dearly. Your book brings more questions of that time. I am so glad to have read it! It is an amazing window of the men who fought through the hell of war! All of them, in all campaigns ,sacrificed and gave their all! Your book brought so many emotions. You did a big honor to your father in writing this book. I pray he looked down over his shoulder with pride in you! Again, thank you! Patricia Captivated in your story, I read it in two days.
This is one reason I wrote this book! Youre welcome Patricia! Thank you! Maria D'Antoni
2/20/2021
Hi Maria,
A book club I am in chose your book to read. I have to say, I wasn’t sure it would be that interesting to me & almost didn’t purchase it.
I considered skipping this book & reading the next one chosen for the club.
Well I have to say, it was a great story & couldn’t put it down once I started it!!! I had read some things about how our soldiers were treated in WWII, but really (I’m ashamed) didn’t think much about it. Wow!!! Our military (then & now) are true patriots & deserve so much respect!!! I’m afraid the younger generation, (&that goes for me, too, & I’m 57) don’t have a clue the sacrifices that are made by the soldiers, themselves, & their families!
Thank you for telling your father’s story! I’m going to recommend this book & share my copy with others!!
Sincerely,
Lori
Ruston, LA
Amazon reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Endurance!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2021
This book is life changing! It is such an amazing story of such a terrible time in our American history! We should ALWAYS remember these men and their families and their faith, love and sacrifice!! A challenge to every generation!!
Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
The closest one can come to knowing the horrors and uncertainty of war and the lonely heartache of loved ones left at home.
5.0 out of 5 stars True Courage & Great Love
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2021
This book Seven Bowls of Rice was well written & couldn't put it down. It was a tale of true courage & bravery of the author's father & the deep love of his wife. You could almost imagine being there with the both of them. I encourage every one to read this book. We owe this generation a whole lot. Thank you Maria D'Antoni for sharing your family's story.
There are many components of the book I could cite but I will only name a few for now.
The narrative moves with the characters and their dialogue which, I think, is the hardest part in fiction writing. Flo, Whitney, Red and others come to life as they grapple with the emotions of love, loyalty, honor, and uncertainty because of war and its fall out. Your research with its many details (POW numbers, Japanese ship names, towns, camps, etc.) is well done. The graphic detail of prison life (Zero tent, etc.) and its horrors are faced as squarely as you could possibly do. The epilogue was deeply moving.
The Greatest Generation is, or has, passed away. It is extraordinary what these men of war and women sacrificed for years on end to answer the call in their generation. Whether Bataan, Normandy, or Iwo Jima, these young men committed their lives, and many gave their lives, for the freedoms we enjoy today. Given our fractured country, we have much to learn from, and give thanks, for the men and women such as your mom and dad. May their memory be a blessing.
Rev. Robert G. Windsor
Facebook:
LOVED THE BOOK!!!! Read it in 2nights & stayed up to finish! Wow, it had everything: romance, history, some humor and raised my understanding of what really happened in WWII
Mary Ruth M.
Amazon reviews:
Chris King
5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Story of Survival, Faith, and Family
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2021
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. Readers will be moved by Maria D'Antoni's engrossing depictions of the Bataan Death March and the lengths to which these American POWs went to survive in prison camps. This book relates the true and gripping love story between a soldier (Whit) compelled to leave his pregnant newlywed (Flo) to serve his country. Relying on his Christian faith and an indomitable will to live, Whit endures a series of events that would overcome most. His bravery and fortitude to help his fellow captured servicemen inspire the reader, who is left wondering if they could have survived even a single one of these atrocities.
For readers who grew up hearing stories of WWII and for those who only have cursory knowledge of its devastation, Maria's captivating prose pulls you into the real events that transpired. At the same time, she deftly explores the unique perspectives of her parents who are worlds apart. Flo, a young mother in South Carolina raising a daughter who has never met her father, embodies an experience lived by many spouses of these brave men. Whit, an officer battling for nearly four years to stay alive and see his bride and daughter, represents unparalleled courage and a faith in God to provide daily bread (and, in this case, rice and unceasing prayer).
Maria enthralls the reader through introductory passages and flourishing conclusions to each chapter that keep you turning the page. Her use of foreshadowing and symbolism increase the reader's appreciation of this true account. Readers will not forget the importance of an LSU class ring, Rosary beads, and a small photograph to provide hope amidst darkness. This book is pertinent to all generations and a tribute to all veterans. May their sacrifices never be forgotten.
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was amazing!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! STARTED READING AND COULDN'T STOP. SO THANKFUL THAT I SAW ON FB THAT COOPER HAD POSTED THIS. AMAZING FAMILY!!
Rhonda Dupree
5.0 out of 5 stars 100% Must read
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
Will change your life, no matter age or background. If you thirst for knowledge of people different from you, grab a straw and sit down. Tony D
5.0 out of 5 stars Love endures any hardship
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
A beautifully written and inspiring story of courage, faith and hope amidst unimaginable suffering and hardship. This story is especially relevant since the author is the daughter of the former Japanese POW.
5.0 out of 5 stars War a tragedy yet Love between two people prevailed
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2020
Seven Bowls of Rice by Maria L. D’Antoni is a beautiful written story of love between two people that survived the tragedies of WWII.
Definitely written as if you were there. Excellent read & page turner. Grateful the story was told. Let us not ever forget the sacrifices the men & women made for our freedom. Antoinette B
5.0 out of 5 stars Love for mankind conquers all
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2021
Maria wrote with such detail, I was experiencing the ups and downs of being there through the thoughts and actions of every character. A must read book.
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling true story of love, faith, and fortitude.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Seven Bowls of Rice is a remarkable book. Maria D'Antoni tells the story of her parents' courtship and marriage followed shortly thereafter by her father's long imprisonment in a Japanese prison of war camp during the second World War. What he went through, and how he managed to survive against all odds borders on the miraculous. The book is a page turner, wonderfully written, and the detailed description brings the whole story wonderfully to life.
5.0 out of 5 stars Love and Faith and War
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
A disclosure,,,,I have known Richard and Maria for many years and learned of the book through Richard. I throughly enjoyed reading Seven Bowls of Rice.. I have read many WWII books and this ranks as one of the best from the perspective of conveying a very personal story of two people whose lives were abruptly interupted by war. Maria does a great job of showing both sides of the story. Her mother left at home with a new baby and her father leaving for the Pacific before meeting his first born. Few vets suffered more then the POWs under the Japanese and the survivors of Bataan maybe suffered the most...Without getting overly graphic Maria still leaves you with an appreciable of the horrors, pain and suffering of the survivors.
Meanwhile back in Luisiana her mother remained raising the first born. For several years without a word of her husbands situation,,,dead or alive....the anxiety and uncertainty were telling....
Love, faith and belief in America brought them through....
Its a great read. I kid my friend Richard (Marias husband) that it ought to be a movie and he could be casted in a lead role....
Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in WWII, war, separation and hope....jnh
5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly gripping!
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021Verified Purchase
This story is truly gripping and extremely well written - you won’t put it down!
Caroline M
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling reading experience
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021
Reading this historical novel reminded me of my experience reading "The DaVinci Code". The facts and dialogue are woven together so seamlessly that it makes for a compelling read and for much reflection
5.0 out of 5 stars Hope and Faith
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book so much! Couldn’t put it down. Whitney is my grandfather’s brother. I never realized all that he went through. I told my sister about it and now she wants to read it!
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful love story
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021
What a pleasant surprise to see a Texas friend publish this memoir of her father. The story flowed with pathos, humor, scenes of the South and most importantly details of his POW nightmare. What shines through was his love for Flo, family and God. Highly recommend this book.
Cris Blair
5.0 out of 5 stars You won’t be able to put this book down!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021
This book was totally riveting! The way the author blended historical information with the emotions of family left at home was truly incredible. As a reader, I could feel what the characters were experiencing. It read like a Grisham or Patterson novel; however, the fact that it was all true made it that much more enjoyable. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but will be looking for more of her books in the future. Read it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2021
A well told true story about love, of struggles through horrific war time circumstances, survival and the aftermath as told by a loving daughter. An informative book that gives the back story regarding the tragic loss of too many American lives in the Pacific during WWII.
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What people are saying about
Seven Bowls of Rice
2/20/2021
Hi Maria,
A book club I am in chose your book to read. I have to say, I wasn’t sure it would be that interesting to me & almost didn’t purchase it.
I considered skipping this book & reading the next one chosen for the club.
Well I have to say, it was a great story & couldn’t put it down once I started it!!! I had read some things about how our soldiers were treated in WWII, but really (I’m ashamed) didn’t think much about it. Wow!!! Our military (then & now) are true patriots & deserve so much respect!!! I’m afraid the younger generation, (&that goes for me, too, & I’m 57) don’t have a clue the sacrifices that are made by the soldiers, themselves, & their families!
Thank you for telling your father’s story! I’m going to recommend this book & share my copy with others!!
Sincerely,
Lori
Ruston, LA
Amazon reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Endurance!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2021
This book is life changing! It is such an amazing story of such a terrible time in our American history! We should ALWAYS remember these men and their families and their faith, love and sacrifice!! A challenge to every generation!!
Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
The closest one can come to knowing the horrors and uncertainty of war and the lonely heartache of loved ones left at home.
5.0 out of 5 stars True Courage & Great Love
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2021
This book Seven Bowls of Rice was well written & couldn't put it down. It was a tale of true courage & bravery of the author's father & the deep love of his wife. You could almost imagine being there with the both of them. I encourage every one to read this book. We owe this generation a whole lot. Thank you Maria D'Antoni for sharing your family's story.
There are many components of the book I could cite but I will only name a few for now.
The narrative moves with the characters and their dialogue which, I think, is the hardest part in fiction writing. Flo, Whitney, Red and others come to life as they grapple with the emotions of love, loyalty, honor, and uncertainty because of war and its fall out. Your research with its many details (POW numbers, Japanese ship names, towns, camps, etc.) is well done. The graphic detail of prison life (Zero tent, etc.) and its horrors are faced as squarely as you could possibly do. The epilogue was deeply moving.
The Greatest Generation is, or has, passed away. It is extraordinary what these men of war and women sacrificed for years on end to answer the call in their generation. Whether Bataan, Normandy, or Iwo Jima, these young men committed their lives, and many gave their lives, for the freedoms we enjoy today. Given our fractured country, we have much to learn from, and give thanks, for the men and women such as your mom and dad. May their memory be a blessing.
Rev. Robert G. Windsor
Facebook:
LOVED THE BOOK!!!! Read it in 2nights & stayed up to finish! Wow, it had everything: romance, history, some humor and raised my understanding of what really happened in WWII
Mary Ruth M.
Amazon reviews:
Chris King
5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Story of Survival, Faith, and Family
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2021
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. Readers will be moved by Maria D'Antoni's engrossing depictions of the Bataan Death March and the lengths to which these American POWs went to survive in prison camps. This book relates the true and gripping love story between a soldier (Whit) compelled to leave his pregnant newlywed (Flo) to serve his country. Relying on his Christian faith and an indomitable will to live, Whit endures a series of events that would overcome most. His bravery and fortitude to help his fellow captured servicemen inspire the reader, who is left wondering if they could have survived even a single one of these atrocities.
For readers who grew up hearing stories of WWII and for those who only have cursory knowledge of its devastation, Maria's captivating prose pulls you into the real events that transpired. At the same time, she deftly explores the unique perspectives of her parents who are worlds apart. Flo, a young mother in South Carolina raising a daughter who has never met her father, embodies an experience lived by many spouses of these brave men. Whit, an officer battling for nearly four years to stay alive and see his bride and daughter, represents unparalleled courage and a faith in God to provide daily bread (and, in this case, rice and unceasing prayer).
Maria enthralls the reader through introductory passages and flourishing conclusions to each chapter that keep you turning the page. Her use of foreshadowing and symbolism increase the reader's appreciation of this true account. Readers will not forget the importance of an LSU class ring, Rosary beads, and a small photograph to provide hope amidst darkness. This book is pertinent to all generations and a tribute to all veterans. May their sacrifices never be forgotten.
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was amazing!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! STARTED READING AND COULDN'T STOP. SO THANKFUL THAT I SAW ON FB THAT COOPER HAD POSTED THIS. AMAZING FAMILY!!
Rhonda Dupree
5.0 out of 5 stars 100% Must read
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
Will change your life, no matter age or background. If you thirst for knowledge of people different from you, grab a straw and sit down. Tony D
5.0 out of 5 stars Love endures any hardship
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
A beautifully written and inspiring story of courage, faith and hope amidst unimaginable suffering and hardship. This story is especially relevant since the author is the daughter of the former Japanese POW.
5.0 out of 5 stars War a tragedy yet Love between two people prevailed
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2020
Seven Bowls of Rice by Maria L. D’Antoni is a beautiful written story of love between two people that survived the tragedies of WWII.
Definitely written as if you were there. Excellent read & page turner. Grateful the story was told. Let us not ever forget the sacrifices the men & women made for our freedom. Antoinette B
5.0 out of 5 stars Love for mankind conquers all
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2021
Maria wrote with such detail, I was experiencing the ups and downs of being there through the thoughts and actions of every character. A must read book.
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling true story of love, faith, and fortitude.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Seven Bowls of Rice is a remarkable book. Maria D'Antoni tells the story of her parents' courtship and marriage followed shortly thereafter by her father's long imprisonment in a Japanese prison of war camp during the second World War. What he went through, and how he managed to survive against all odds borders on the miraculous. The book is a page turner, wonderfully written, and the detailed description brings the whole story wonderfully to life.
5.0 out of 5 stars Love and Faith and War
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
A disclosure,,,,I have known Richard and Maria for many years and learned of the book through Richard. I throughly enjoyed reading Seven Bowls of Rice.. I have read many WWII books and this ranks as one of the best from the perspective of conveying a very personal story of two people whose lives were abruptly interupted by war. Maria does a great job of showing both sides of the story. Her mother left at home with a new baby and her father leaving for the Pacific before meeting his first born. Few vets suffered more then the POWs under the Japanese and the survivors of Bataan maybe suffered the most...Without getting overly graphic Maria still leaves you with an appreciable of the horrors, pain and suffering of the survivors.
Meanwhile back in Luisiana her mother remained raising the first born. For several years without a word of her husbands situation,,,dead or alive....the anxiety and uncertainty were telling....
Love, faith and belief in America brought them through....
Its a great read. I kid my friend Richard (Marias husband) that it ought to be a movie and he could be casted in a lead role....
Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in WWII, war, separation and hope....jnh
5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly gripping!
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021Verified Purchase
This story is truly gripping and extremely well written - you won’t put it down!
Caroline M
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling reading experience
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021
Reading this historical novel reminded me of my experience reading "The DaVinci Code". The facts and dialogue are woven together so seamlessly that it makes for a compelling read and for much reflection
5.0 out of 5 stars Hope and Faith
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book so much! Couldn’t put it down. Whitney is my grandfather’s brother. I never realized all that he went through. I told my sister about it and now she wants to read it!
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful love story
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021
What a pleasant surprise to see a Texas friend publish this memoir of her father. The story flowed with pathos, humor, scenes of the South and most importantly details of his POW nightmare. What shines through was his love for Flo, family and God. Highly recommend this book.
Cris Blair
5.0 out of 5 stars You won’t be able to put this book down!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021
This book was totally riveting! The way the author blended historical information with the emotions of family left at home was truly incredible. As a reader, I could feel what the characters were experiencing. It read like a Grisham or Patterson novel; however, the fact that it was all true made it that much more enjoyable. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but will be looking for more of her books in the future. Read it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2021
A well told true story about love, of struggles through horrific war time circumstances, survival and the aftermath as told by a loving daughter. An informative book that gives the back story regarding the tragic loss of too many American lives in the Pacific during WWII.
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