R. Ghrist debuts historical fiction about a forgotten heroine in wartime Manila

I Am Joey by R. Ghrist is a historical novel inspired by the extraordinary true story of Josefina Guerrero, a young Filipina woman whose courage during World War II helped shape the resistance movement in Japanese-occupied Manila.

Set during one of the darkest periods in Philippine history, the novel follows Josefina as her privileged life is suddenly shattered by both war and illness. Once part of Manila’s social elite, she receives a devastating diagnosis of leprosy just as Japanese forces tighten their grip on the Philippines. Isolated by fear and stigma, Josefina finds herself pushed to the margins of society at the very moment her country is descending into chaos.

Rather than surrendering to despair, Josefina discovers a dangerous new role within the resistance movement. Her illness, which once made her feel invisible, becomes part of what allows her to move unnoticed through occupied territories. Through acts of bravery, sacrifice, and quiet determination, she risks her life to support efforts against the occupying forces.

Rich with historical atmosphere and emotional depth, the novel explores themes of faith, resilience, sacrifice, and the strength ordinary people discover in extraordinary circumstances. At its heart, I Am Joey is a story about courage emerging from vulnerability and about finding purpose even amid fear and suffering.

The book’s message is captured in a single line featured prominently in promotional material for the release: “Valor doesn’t belong only to the strong.”

The novel’s combination of historical detail and emotional storytelling may appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven wartime fiction grounded in real events. By recreating wartime Manila with vivid atmosphere and tension, Ghrist invites readers into a world shaped by fear, occupation, and uncertainty, while also illuminating the resilience of those who refused to give up hope.

I Am Joey represents not only the arrival of a promising new historical fiction author but also a tribute to a woman whose bravery deserves renewed recognition. Through Josefina Guerrero’s story, readers are reminded that heroism is not always loud or celebrated. Sometimes it emerges quietly, from those society least expects, during moments when courage is needed most.

Ghrist’s novelhas acquired praise from the Historical Novel Society as an “engaging story of personal struggle and triumph…” where “…fact and fiction are skillfully melded to bring the reader into Joey’s doubts, fears, daring, and triumph” and has recently been added to the Philippine Heritage Collection in the Echo Park Branch Library of Los Angeles.

Before turning to fiction writing, Ghrist worked as an English and ESOL instructor, teaching English and literacy to Iraqi and Somali refugees. Her experiences listening to stories of displacement, survival, and perseverance helped shape the empathy and emotional texture found throughout the novel.

R. Ghrist currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two daughters, and a bernedoodle and continues to craft stories from forgotten corners of history.