Brian MacArthur (1940–2019)

Took some time over this one, dipping in and out. Being set up in sections, it allows you to read speeches on related topics in isolation. The section are chronological, allowing the evolution of ideas and speech patterns the evolve as you read. The later speeches were a lot easier t read than the early one. Partly topic, partly use of vocabulary, partly that you've heard the recordings and so can hear the rhythm and intonation in your head while reading the words.
An interesting selection, but not something I think that I;ll be wanting to read more of.… (plus d'informations)

This is a very well written history of the prisoners held by the Japanese in Asia during World War II, most of which were British, Australian, and Scots. There was a much small contingent of Americans, of which my mother's first cousin, Louie, was one. He died at the hands of the Japanese after surviving the Bataan Death March and several years in POW camps, but died being transported by ship to Japan where he no doubt would have worked in a mine or factory had he not expired on the trip across. Reading this book gave me a very real sense of how he must have suffered. I only hope my mother and his family never knew how awful it was. This book is divided into chapters by the various camps or areas where the Japanese impressed the prisoners into building air fields, roads, bridges, train tracks, and their own camps. Besides the utter brutality of the Japanese toward all prisoners, I was most impressed by the camaraderie and ingenuity of the troops. Reading this book was very difficult, but also very important. I appreciate Brian MacArthur's excellent work in compiling this excellent history.… (plus d'informations)