THE REST OF US is the third panel of Stephen Birmingham's Jewish triptych (OUR CROWD and THE GRANDEES)--the story of Eastern European Jews who; between 1882 and 1915; thronged into New York to escape the pogroms of czarist Russia. From Ellis Island; these immigrants poured into the Lower East Side. To established German Jews; this horde was an embarassment and a burden. But the Russians had a passion to succeed and soon they stood on their own. They made it in an astonishingly short time--from the pushcarts of Hester Street to the Grand Concourse and on to the manicured lawns of Scarsdale and Beverly Hills; "from Poland to polo in one generation."
#1592641 in Books 2009-11-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.10 x 6.20l; 1.30 #File Name: 0313362017268 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Yamato DamashiiBy C E Voigtsberger JrI wouldn't say "I love it." It was very interesting and the reason that this book had special interest for me was that 54 years ago my wife and I joined the ranks of the subjects of this book. It is a very special interest book and probably has very limited sales. As a sociological study of a very small group of immigrants to this country; it is invaluable. Immigrants to this country generally congregate in communities of fellow immigrants; so at least they have the support of fellow immigrants. In most cases; the Japanese War Brides not only were transplanted into a foreign country but into a totally foreign culture too without the support of others similar to them. That they survived and thrived speaks to the inner strength of their personality. On the other hand; for some the culture shock was too much. One Japanese bride my wife and I know found the transition too difficult and although her husband lovingly supported her and stayed with her; she had frequent relapses into bouts of mental illness until the end of her life.I would suspect that this book will only be of interest to people who have a Japanese War Bride in their family or who have an interest in the sociology of how war brides were treated following WWII. If you are interested in Japan and its culture; it will certainly give some insights to Japanese thinking immediately after WWII.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great BookBy AnonymousAn informative book about the lives of Japanese war brides and their happiness and struggle. All 19 Japanese War Brides have an interesting tale that expresses the extreme cultural differences between Japan and America.3 of 13 people found the following review helpful. One-sided; missing passionBy DavidI empathize with the hardships these young Japanese women had to endure and I admire their will and strength to overcome them. Because of the war; they were raised at a time when all young Japanese had to face great difficulties. These young women however; from fanciful notions of love that God plants in everyone; found a unique solution. For many it meant turning their backs on family; customs; and country; but they did so; in the name of love. For each it was a commendable; courageous action. I find no fault with them.The book by its nature is about the women and principally expresses their experiences. It is unfortunate there is no more from the male side than an occasional nod of approval. Talk about a one-sided story...My main objection is; I find the book too much a fluff piece which misses much of the reality of the circumstances. It's as if the authors and contributors were constricted by Victorian morality. I tired of reading such statements of courtship as "we fell in love." Where is the passion and sexual excitement? I served in the Occupation; in Tokyo; 1951-1952. As a twenty-year-old; healthy American male; I took a great interest in the Japanese girls. I found one described as the "most beautiful girl in Tokyo." I went bonkers over her and tried all my charm and resources to get her to the futon. Finally; after making a commitment; we "shacked-up" (a word of the common vernacular you'll not find in the subject book). Thus began many months of the most intense and satisfying loving sexual relationship imaginable. But; as it approached time for my return to the States; I could not conceive of getting married; it just wasn't in my thought pattern. In many ways I regret leaving my girl behind; but considering the wonderful life I've had; I've been well blessed.Another objection is the total lack of any recognition by these ladies in their narratives of Japan as an aggressor that committed horrible atrocities. Anyone unfamiliar with history reading their accounts would wonder why we wreaked such destruction on their country. If anyone wishes to respond: dvalley1@san.rr.com
