Enduring What Cannot Be Endured: Memoir of a Woman Medical Aide in the Philippines in World War II [Paperback]

Dorothy Dore Dowlen (Author), Theresa Kaminski (Author, Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786408510 | ISBN-13: 978-0786408511 | Publication Date: October 2000

Dorothy Dore was born in the Philippines to a British father who served there in the Spanish American War, and to a Filipina mestiza mother. This young woman was attending an exclusive private school when Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941. The Japanese Imperial Army made a swift invasion of the Philippines, and Dorothy's life became a nightmare. As recounted in this moving memoir, Dorothy studied nursing so that she could support the United States Armed Forces Far East (USAFFE). She spent the war years on the run, working for the USAFFE when she could, but abandoning those duties when her family was in need. Dorothy recalls the sacrifices of her family, the brutal treatment of civilians by the Japanese, and the vainglorious actions of some of the USAFFE guerrilla leaders. It is a compelling story of love, loss, family, courage, and survival during an especially horrifying time.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dorothy Dore Dowlen immigrated to the United States in 1951. She now resides in San Jose, California, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in clinical counseling. Theresa Kaminski, associate professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, teaches a variety of courses on American women's history and specializes in gender and war.

Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786408510
• ISBN-13: 978-0786408511
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,570,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Filipino-Americans, August 6, 2008

By 

efirebird (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enduring What Cannot Be Endured: Memoir of a Woman Medical Aide in the Philippines in World War II (Paperback)

I first read this book because Mrs. Dowlen is a friend of the family. This book brought me closer to my culture and wanting for more.

As young Filipinos adapt or are born in the United States, we are assimilated into the American culture often shunning our own heritage.

This book allowed me to not only understand the history of our past but a yearning to learn more of where we came from and what our parents and grandparents had to endure in the Philippines.

Mrs. Dowlen is a charming lady with so much to share. This book was written from the heart. I appreciate all that she has shared.

Please note that all proceeds from her book are being donated to a Christian organization in the Phillippines.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling!, October 5, 2005

By 

August Child (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enduring What Cannot Be Endured: Memoir of a Woman Medical Aide in the Philippines in World War II (Paperback)

This is the REAL THING! Authentic, Exciting, Inspiring, Emotional, Suspense and with clarity about a teenage girl surviving against all odds, World War II in the Philippines.
The true story of a woman caught in the very survival of her life along with her infant child. An extraordinary story. EXCEPTIONAL!