Thomas F. (hardtack) -
This story of allied civilians interned by the Japanese in China is different than other stories. The author lets you know right off that they were already in Japanese-held territory and were under the control of Japanese civilians. They were not in territory invaded by the Japanese Army after 7 December 1941. As a result, their treatment was much more humane. In fact, until 1943 they were allowed to stay in their own homes, under strict control. But in that year they were then ordered to an internment camp, where they were ordered to set up their own government.
The author relates how people from many walks of like cleaned up a ransacked missionary compound and created a life for themselves. But their biggest enemy was each other. When too many people must share not quite enough living space and food, they react in many different ways, not all of them to the good. Even the missionaries were difficult to deal with.
As such the author spends much time relating the different human perceptions of what is right or what is moral. At first, I found this disappointing as I was more interested in their daily experiences as internees and their relationship with their Japanese 'supervisors'. Then I realized that the author was explaining how people reacted to one another in trying relationships, often selecting their own needs over the needs of the community, and how others responded or tried to respond to this to convince all to cooperate. As such, this is an interesting story with value to our own everyday experiences in convincing others to cooperate in efforts that benefit all.
This book is WLed and I wish I could post it, but it is highlighted and underlined in several places with some written notes on some pages.
The author relates how people from many walks of like cleaned up a ransacked missionary compound and created a life for themselves. But their biggest enemy was each other. When too many people must share not quite enough living space and food, they react in many different ways, not all of them to the good. Even the missionaries were difficult to deal with.
As such the author spends much time relating the different human perceptions of what is right or what is moral. At first, I found this disappointing as I was more interested in their daily experiences as internees and their relationship with their Japanese 'supervisors'. Then I realized that the author was explaining how people reacted to one another in trying relationships, often selecting their own needs over the needs of the community, and how others responded or tried to respond to this to convince all to cooperate. As such, this is an interesting story with value to our own everyday experiences in convincing others to cooperate in efforts that benefit all.
This book is WLed and I wish I could post it, but it is highlighted and underlined in several places with some written notes on some pages.
