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.
more
This family was very lucky and also rich enough to not suffer as much as many families in WWII. The grandparents were German aristocrats, who had several homes, among them, a hunting lodge. The father was a businessman whose company sent him to Japan, and later, Germany. He always had a good salary, and later, received a pension from the German government. While in Germany,
the children were sent to a posh prep school. This was the only time there was a family separation, and it was entirely voluntary. While millions of others were going through ghastly ordeals, these people were having an “adventure “.
Amazing trip and people!
Phenomenal WWII book from a completely unique perspective. The characters are developed and endearing. I would definitely recommend this book.
While the story was interesting it was told in a monologue voice which made it seem boring at times.
A very different view of WWII. I found it less than compelling as it is truly told by a beloved child who was understandably screened from the sharper edges of the world and remembered through a haze of nostalgia.
Smashing story of a family caught between worlds when WWII breaks out as they attempt to return home to Germany. Tough living conditions, great family strength, happy ending.
Good read-a family trapped by the realities of a war torn world.
I found this interesting because I was born in 1942 so the events were not unfamiliar to me. What amazed me was the fact that the family was quite wealthy by any standards, the ability to travel in luxury was taken for granted. There was a sharp contrast when that style of life was no longer ftpossible because of hte war and they were forced to adapt to the circumstances which athey managed to do. It wasn’t brilliant writing, very stiff and factual but the voice was true to that time in history.
I found it fascinating since the lead character was my age. I was interested in learning what her experience had been during WWII.
I loved the story regarding their journey and stay in Japan during WWII. They were forced to live in a certain village during the war, just like the Japanese were in the United States during the war.
This is an engaging story of a family caught in the maelstrom of World War II and how they coped with adversity.
I enjoyed most of it, but the ending was a little too self-serving.
This book is an autobiographical account of a German/American family attempting to travel through Japan and Russia during WWII. Narrated by one of the children, this account portrays the many hardships experienced through the eyes of youth and culminates in the family’s safe return to the US several years after the war has ended and their struggles reintegrating into American life.
I loved this book until the last few chapters where the focus is almost solely on the celebrity and rise to fame of the narrator. Rather than spoil the account for the reader, I’ll just say that unless one lived through the 50’s and 60’s in New York City this section of the book might be tiresome and greatly detract from the overall effectiveness. That being said, I found the story captivating and added much to my knowledge of events leading to and contributing to the horrors of the “War to end all wars”.
The story is interesting, and from a new perspective. However, the style is exceedingly boring. It is almost a list of first we did this, then we did that.
Imagine being a German banker with a good position with a large German bank which has allowed you to immigrate to the country where you have always wanted to live, the United States. Your children are in Catholic school when you receive word that you must return to Germany. It is 1941 and you can’t cross the Atlantic. The story is told over about a fifteen year period by the middle child, an eight year old girl in the beginning. The plan is to take a train to the West Coast, and catch a Japanese ocean liner to Japan and later to Russia where they would take the Trans Siberian Railway to Europe. It goes fairly well as far as Yokohama where things start to get crazy. The book is full of interesting photos.
A good read with the drama of world events impacting a family’s attempt to return to. their homeland after living in the United States. They were literally with out a country. Interesting how each family member adapted and put the best construction on their changing circumstances
Tedious, overlong, disappointing. A well to do family’s relatively minor inconveniences in the midst of the tragedy of war. Wasn’t worth writing a book about. Oh well.
I really enjoyed this book. Such a life and lessons of patience. To be stuck in Japan as a German before and during the war with the US. (they had 2 children born in the US and had been living and loving NY & the USA. Almost 8 year (?) before they could get back to the US. I thought it was fast moving and learned some history too. These kids had quite a ride..learning Japanese then German etc. Glad the author shared her life’s story!
Interesting book. A woman who has lived an amazing life.
This was a well written memoir, dealing for the most part in aspects of the expat experience during WW11 in Japan, something I was not previously aware of.