In the midst of World War II, a German-American family finds themselves stranded in Japan in this inspiring tale of an extraordinary family adapting to the hazards of fate, and finding salvation in each other. In the spring of 1941, seven-year-old Hildegarde Ercklentz and her family leave their home in New York City and set off for their native Germany, where her father has been recalled to the … has been recalled to the headquarters of the Commerz & Privat Bank in Berlin. It was meant to be an epic journey, crossing the United States, the Pacific, and Siberia–but when Hitler invades Russia, a week-long stay in Yokohama, Japan becomes six years of quasi-detention, as Hildegarde and her family are stranded in Japan until the war’s end. In this spellbinding memoir, Mahoney recounts her family’s moving saga, from their courage in the face of terrible difficulties–including forced relocation, scarce rations, brutal winters in the Japanese Alps–to their joyous reunion with their German relatives in Hamburg, and their eventual return to New York City in 1950. Richly detailed and remarkably vivid, Journey Interrupted is a story unlike any other–the inspiring tale of an extraordinary family adapting to the hazards of fate, and finding salvation in each other.
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I enjoyed reading the epic journey this family experienced moving through war torn countries unexpectedly. Having visited Japan some years ago, I was particularly interested in their experiences in Japan. I am very impressed in how they were able to survive the journey and how the children created interesting and productive lives for themselves when they were able to return to the United States after the war due to ongoing focus and persistence.
I was 7 when WWII started. My grandfathers parents had immigrated from Germany and there were kept under watch. My son-in-law is full blooded Japanese and from Canada where his parents were moved from BS to a more Eastern part of Canada. This story is from the view point of someone who went through some of the same things. I like historical books and this is a good one!
Fascinating telling of the life of a German family who were caught in Japan trying to make their way back to Germany during life in Japan during WW11.
This memoir of WWII from the perspective of the author as a girl, marooned with her family in Japan until the war ended, was interesting to me. Her family “made do” under trying circumstances, by using their skills and persistence, supporting each other in an admirable way. Their view of the war from within Japan offers the reader a new understanding from what one gets in history books.
The book kept you interested because it took place in two countries (Japan and Germany) during and after world war 2 and how a stranded family dealt with all the situations they encountered after living in America. However it should have ended upon their return to the USA. Reading about the daughter’s charmed life was boring.
Such a unique situation to be in…and this family handled it with grace.
The story is powerful, I like how it was presented. Good job writer! If you have some great stories like this one, you can publish it on NóvelStar, just submit your story to hardy@nóvelstar.top or joye@nóvelstar.top
Imagine taking a ship from the US to Japan with the idea of going to Germany. WWII starts and you have to stay in Japan until the was is over and then in Germany you have to live there until you are allowed to go to the US. Very interesting book and the only one I’ve read about being trapped in Japan. This is a true story.
I so loved this book. Hildegarde takes the reader on a journey of her truly extraordinary life with vivid descriptions of all its extreme highs and lows. Highly recommended.
A view of World War II from a German family who traveled from America and ended up stuck in Japan. As I try to wrap my mind around this horrendous era I appreciate learning about the experiences of those affected. Hitler and his crazy allies wreaked havoc on people of all nationalities, religions, genders, and ages. What a scary time to have been alive.
A bit dated
Startling revelation of major challenges faced by international citizens blocked & trapped by warring nations. Survival through inner strength and ingenuity. It certainly helps to have loving extended family & financial resources. An impact of war that few have detailed.
Little known historical WWII survival story.
A must read especially for youngsters. Eye opening view of a time and event that not much is known about.
Very good true historical noval.Highly recommend it.
After a while, the writing became too simple, more like a diary. Not what I expected.
I enjoy reading about this era. It is a time we Must not forget.
Interesting what families endured during WWII.
An interesting read. Had never read anyhting about expats in Japan during WWII
A side of the civilian war story I’ve never hard before. Fascinating.