Recent comments in /f/history

OwnSky5929 t1_jau9w3m wrote

I just finished reading A History of Canada in Ten Maps by Adam Shoalts. It's a must read for anyone who is interested in early Canadian explorers, their personalities, native leaders, and the hardships they all endured in mapping westward. Peter Ogden is in the book as is Rivet. A much better read than 'non fiction Canadian history ' genre sounds like it would be. The book paints Ogden as an unstable force who killed those who got in his way. I imagine Julia must have been one tough lady to make it through marriage to him and the times they lived in.

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Mor_Tearach t1_jatzqck wrote

I'd contact authors first. You could probably reach one through their agent? Her story certainly requires absolutely no embellishment, it's allll there. Maybe research writers known portraying historical characters with accuracy while retaining the ability to make the story live .

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War_Hymn t1_jatydnc wrote

>The concept that people ignored their children is asanine and ignorant.

It seems to be a culture thing in certain parts of the world. My East Asian in-laws insist that children should be given as little attention as possible so that they wouldn't grow up "dependent" and weak. Came to a point where I got reprimanded for carrying my infant daughter around when I went to visit them.

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NaKeepFighting t1_jaty7l1 wrote

As someone who never read non-fiction, the book “Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II” absolutely blew my mind

As someone who prides themselves with a good grasp of world history and especially American history, I had only ever viewed the occupation of japan from americas perspective, a shinning example of nation building with only a few blemishes such as the policy of “reverse course” which in my opinion held modern japan back in accepting their participation of numerous atrocities and warcrimes, they could have been similar to how modern day Germany accepts their past crimes. As well as the fact we never did hold Hirohito accountable.

However, after reading "Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II" by John Dower, my perspective on the occupation of Japan has completely shifted. Dower's book presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of the post-war period in Japan that goes beyond the typical American narrative.

Through his meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Dower exposes the complex and often contradictory nature of the occupation. He highlights the struggles and challenges faced by the Japanese people during this period, as well as the tensions and disagreements between the various parties involved in the occupation, including the Americans, Japanese officials, and the Japanese public.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it highlights the resilience and creativity of the Japanese people during this time of upheaval and reconstruction. Its an event on such a scale that it has never happened before or since, the reforming of a society on such a scale.

Despite the immense destruction and loss of life, Dower demonstrates how the Japanese people managed to rebuild their lives and their country, often in ways that were very different from what the American occupiers had envisioned. It showcases human resilience and makes me proud to be human, it gives me hope that we can survive anything, we can bounce back from the brink, even when the galaxy begins to fade into darkness, we will be the keepers of the last light.

Overall, "Embracing Defeat" is a deeply engaging and enlightening book that provides a nuanced and multi-faceted view of the post-war period in Japan. As someone who typically avoids non-fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and accessible Dower's writing is. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or international relations.

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gwaydms t1_jatr9dx wrote

What a life she led! And she had some (figurative) brass balls too. "Think you can take that horse and my son? Think again! Oh, and I'll take this other horse too, with our furs. Bye." She was a great lady.

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creemetismami OP t1_jatm23l wrote

The family had always entertained the idea of her story being brought to the big screen. (I'm a descendant of her adopted son, Peter)

I wouldn't even know where to begin pitching the idea, so if anyone reading this has any tips on how to make this happen, please feel free to contact me :)

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading!

Edit: pun 10/10

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