Customer Reviews

Edokko: Growing Up a Foreigner in Wartime Japan

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The story of how Ike Shapiro came to be a tri-lingual 14 year old russian jewish kid standing on the shore at Yokohama as the Allied Troops landed is really not to be missed. His life is remarkable and the book is well worth reading. Great photos too. I read it first in electronic form, then bought a hard copy to get a better look at the photos and to have it on the shelf, and then another copy as a gift.

I am sorry to give it 4 stars instead of 5 but candidly the book it would have benefitted from better editing. There are some very repetitive sections about the life story of the author's parents, their nanny, and some other background matters. Should really be picked up by a major publishing house and given better treatment.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I can't thank the author enough for having written it.

Isaac "Ike" Shapiro was born in Japan in 1931, the child of Russian emigrants. They had fled Russia after the 1917 Revolution and originally settled in Harbin, China but later moved to Japan. This fascinating story tells what it was like to live in Japan during World War II with little food, bombing raids, and forced evacuation from their home. Fluent in Japanese, Russian and English Mr. Shapiro truly lived through history during this time period.

I nearly screamed out loud when he began to describe the area of Yokohama where he went to school....I lived right there in the fourth grade as an Army Brat. I won't give away the rest but Mr. Shapiro had an incredible childhood and witnessed truly historical events. He made me recognize the value of living all over the world and going to fourteen different schools.

For all those who love history, memoirs, books on World War II and simply terrific reads.

Mr. Shapiro has lived a very fascinating life.
I do agree with the other reviewer that some unnecessary repetition is in here, but it's an excellent story and a very pleasurable read.