One Thousand Days in Siberia: The Odyssey of a Japanese-American POW (Paperback)

by Iwao Peter Sano (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Born in Brawley, California, Sano went to Japan in 1939 to become the adopted son ("yoshi") of his childless aunt and uncle. In March, 1945, he was drafted into the Japanese army and sent to join the Kwantung Army in Manchuria. Five months later, when Japanese forces had surrendered to the Soviet army, Sano became a prisoner of war. For nearly three years he labored in a Soviet munitions factory, on a collective farm, and in a Siberian coal mine. . . . [This] is a unique and fascinating account of mixed and divided loyalties, dismay and confusion, sacrifice and salvation-clearly told with an understated mixture of fatalism and hope. . . . A vivid, revealing memoir."-"Japanese-American Veterans Newsletter,"

Review

"How does a one-time American farm boy become a Japanese Imperial Army prisoner of war in the Soviet Union after World War II? Iwao Peter Sano’s tale of how this happened to him is remarkable enough. But equally remarkable is that he can speak of starving, nearly dying and catching malaria in Siberian POW camps with a voice that is quietly humorous and genteel."—Japan Quarterly

(Japan Quarterly )

"Born in Brawley, California, Sano went to Japan in 1939 to become the adopted son (yoshi) of his childless aunt and uncle. In March, 1945, he was drafted into the Japanese army and sent to join the Kwantung Army in Manchuria. Five months later, when Japanese forces had surrendered to the Soviet army, Sano became a prisoner of war. For nearly three years he labored in a Soviet munitions factory, on a collective farm, and in a Siberian coal mine. . . . [This] is a unique and fascinating account of mixed and divided loyalties, dismay and confusion, sacrifice and salvation—clearly told with an understated mixture of fatalism and hope. . . . A vivid, revealing memoir."—Japanese-American Veterans Newsletter

(Japanese-American Veterans Newsletter ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803292600
• ISBN-13: 978-0803292604
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,386,500 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful story of an incredible man!, August 18, 1997

By	Craig L Wiesner (Daly City, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Thousand Days in Siberia: The Odyssey of a Japanese-American POW (Hardcover)

About eight years ago, I read Peter Sano's story when it was in its earliest form. I knew then that he should have it published - and finally, he did. Peter was born in America but at the age of 15, in 1939, he was sent to Japan to become the adopted son of his childless aunt and uncle. Drafted into the Japanese army in 1945, Peter was sent to war. By being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Peter ended up in Siberian POW and labor camps for three years before finally being released. During those years, Peter made life bearable for many of his fellow prisoners, often at his own expense - and though he downplays his heroism, he kept some people alive who would otherwise have perished. His is a tale both humorous and tragic and in the end, inspiring. Today, Peter is back in America, an accomplished architect, husband, father, and one of the kindest and gentlest souls I have ever met. It was impossible to put down his manuscript once I started it until I had devoured every page. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys tales of triumph over adversity, love beating hate, and quick wits winning out over the harshest odds.