A Boy's War

by David Michell

Autobiographical account of a schoolboy's experiences as an internee in China during World War II.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, China, History, Autobiography, Christianity, Memoir

175 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1988

Reviews

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boy's War is David Michell's memoir about the time his school for missionary children in China was captured by the Japanese during WWII. He was 11 when the captivity started. Later the whole school was sent to an interment camp further into China. Olympian Eric Liddell was also interred at the same camp and died there.

This book was a wonderful testimony to God's provision and care during the hardest of times. My full review is here: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2024/08/...

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir by the son of missionaries to China. While he was at a boarding school, primarily for missionary children, Japan invaded China and the children along with their teachers were placed in a concentration camp. In spite of difficult circumstances and privation, the adults tried to give the children a sense of normalcy by continuing classes and organizing games. The author wrote his story without self-pity and bitterness.

[La Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Save to read to grandchildren.
Jeremiah 31:16-17
Psalms 46, 126:1-3, 137:1.
Hymns: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun (which I just learned this year, 2018); The Lord is Our Refuge (Psalm 46:1-7)

[Barbara Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a lump in my throat most of the time while reading this book. I've long been fascinated by the history of Chefoo schools because I went to an MK school with some 2nd/3rd generation children of Chefusians.

This firsthand account of how a missionary school, students plus staff, was taken by the Japanese and interned at Weihsien Concentration Camp is not only astounding but well written and well documented. It includes some fascinating details not found elsewhere, including memories of Eric Liddell the Olympic medalist, who was also in the camp. The author provides a moving tribute to his true heroes: the teachers who continued to educate and care for the children in camp who wouldn't see their own parents for over 3 years.

A Boy's War gives insight into the ingenuity, heroism, and sacrificial spirit of not only the Chefusians, but multiple nationalities throughout the camp, including Chinese nationals who risked their lives to help the internees. You will not put it down without being deeply moved.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a small book, and written from a Christian perspective no less - how could it be that great.

True story of a young son of a missionary family who is living in a mission school in China as the Japanese invade that crumbling nation in the 1930s. Separated from his parents, and under the care of teachers and tutors (and God), it is an escape to read how young people can handle a tense and deteriorating situation.

In the story, as a major surprise, it turns out that Eric Liddell, the famed Olympic medalist of the 1920s (think Chariots of Fire) is also caught up in the Japanese internment of foreign civilians living in China. The author Michell writes of his admiration of Liddell, who after his brief Olympic fame, has indeed lived out his faith with integrity and anonymity.

The book ends with the author as a middle aged man returning to China in the mid 1980s to see once again the scene of his school adventure. I can only say I finished the book uplifted to read of adults living lives well-lived in terms of value, substance, and meaning (not necessarily wealth or success).

[Dean Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Michell tells the fascinating story of the three years he spent as a child in a Japanese concentration camp during WWII, along with his older sister and 500 other students from Chefoo school for missionary kids. The chapter about Olympic Gold Medalist and missionary Eric Liddell, who was in the same camp and whom the kids called "Uncle Eric", is especially moving.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book remembering when my MK son was about the same age as the author's during his internment in WW2 China. My interest in the book was also generated by an interest in Asia, POW life in WW2 camps, and the life of Eric Liddell. A good book that I need to read again.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful autobiography of a young boy interned in a Japanese concentration camp in China during WWII.
He was attending a boarding school in eastern China during this difficult time while his parents did missionary work with
China Inland Mission.
Full of amazing grace!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Internment in a Japanese concentration camp in China for about three years thru the eyes of a 10-12 year old missionary boy. It was like camp with school where adults absorbed the concerns of the deprivations and war. Interesting!

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Michell details his interment in a Japanese concentration camp in China, along with the other students & teachers of the Chefoo Mission School. Excellent book, made all the more interesting because I knew a couple of the people mentioned in the story.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story of a missionary boy who was separated from his parents and placed in a Japanese concentration camp in China during WWII. It gives a lot of insight into how a child's mind works and can cope with difficult situations.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK, not great, not bad. I would recommend it if you want to know more about internees in China during WW2, but it is not really a history. It is more of a memoir.