Today's Read Team 
Daniel Hayes’s historical novel Echoes of the Past, released in May 2025, has quickly captured the attention of readers and critics alike. Set in post-World War II America, the novel offers an intimate and deeply researched portrayal of a country grappling with the aftermath of war and the dawn of a new era. Hayes’s narrative centers on Clara Matthews, a young woman from a small Ohio town whose life embodies the tensions and hopes of a changing nation.
Hayes, a former history professor at Ohio State University, spent over three years researching the period, drawing extensively from archival materials, wartime correspondence, and personal diaries to ensure an authentic representation of the era. His meticulous approach to historical accuracy is evident throughout the novel, which intertwines personal stories with larger national issues such as economic recovery, racial tensions, and evolving gender roles.
The novel opens in 1946, as Clara returns home from working as a nurse near the European frontlines. Through her eyes, readers experience the complexities of reintegrating veterans, rebuilding shattered communities, and confronting the undercurrents of social change. Hayes deftly portrays the optimism of the American Dream alongside the harsh realities faced by many returning soldiers and their families.
Critics have lauded Echoes of the Past for its richly detailed setting and emotional resonance. The New York Times Book Review called it “a masterclass in historical fiction — immersive, moving, and impeccably crafted.” Similarly, The Washington Post praised Hayes’s “gift for bringing history to life with nuanced characters and a narrative that never sacrifices emotion for fact.”
One of the novel’s standout features is Hayes’s portrayal of Clara’s relationship with her family and community. The story highlights generational divides, economic struggles, and the shifting roles of women in a society emerging from war. Clara’s own journey toward self-discovery mirrors broader societal changes, including the early stirrings of the civil rights movement and the push for greater equality.
Hayes also explores the psychological toll of war. His depiction of veterans suffering from what was then called “shell shock,” now recognized as PTSD, is both sensitive and unflinching. In interviews, Hayes explained his motivation: “I wanted to give voice to those who lived through trauma that was often invisible, to explore how they rebuilt their lives amid a nation eager to move forward.”
The book has resonated strongly with readers, becoming a favorite choice for book clubs and history enthusiasts. Many readers have shared personal stories on social media about relatives who lived through similar experiences, sparking meaningful discussions about family history and memory.
Educational institutions have also taken note. Several universities have incorporated Echoes of the Past into courses on American history and literature, recognizing its value as a teaching tool that bridges academic history with narrative empathy.
The timing of the novel’s release coincides with ongoing national conversations about historical memory and reconciliation. As the U.S. confronts its past in new ways, Hayes’s work provides a textured, humanized perspective on a pivotal era that shaped contemporary America.
Hayes’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond the page. He has participated in numerous book tours and panel discussions, engaging audiences in conversations about the importance of historical fiction in understanding the present. At the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Hayes emphasized, “History isn’t just dates and facts — it’s the stories of real people. Fiction allows us to inhabit those stories in a way that pure history sometimes can’t.”
Looking ahead, Hayes has announced plans for a sequel exploring the 1960s civil rights era through the eyes of Clara’s children, continuing his exploration of American history through intimate, character-driven narratives.
Echoes of the Past stands as a testament to the power of historical fiction to illuminate the past while speaking directly to contemporary readers’ concerns about identity, memory, and justice. It is a poignant reminder that history lives on not just in textbooks but in the lives and stories of everyday people.