The Emperor's Guest, coming of Age behind Barbed Wire during WW II in Indonesia

by Titia Bozuwa

The Emperor's Guest places the reader in the Dutch East Indies during WW II, when Japan invades and interns all Westerners. Gijs (sounds like Chris), the son of a Dutch navy officer, stationed on Java, is seventeen when he enters prison camp. Separated from his family he faces hunger, beatings and serious illness. The ensuing tale is a spellbinding account of the transition from colonialists to captives in a country far from an equally war-torn motherland. The story chronicals shipwrecks, escape attempts, military and national honor, and the way in which people coalesce in difficult times. It is at once a disturbing account of war time atrocities and a rollicking tale. Gijs is separated from his family for three years and has no choice but to fend for himself. New friends, unforgettable characters like Pieter Donk and Keereweer. cross his path. Together they face painful beatings and hunger. Unbeknown to him, the atom bomb saves his life. The reader can't help but admire the resilience and compassion of this story's characters, who refuse to have their spirits broken by humiliation and degradation. Gijs comes out of prison camp with a clear vision of what he wants to do with the rest of his life. This is a compelling, true story, written by his author/wife.

240 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published November 15, 2009

Reviews

[Aurel Mihai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and well written personal account from a viewpoint that seems underrepresented in English language literature.

[Virginia Allain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bozuwa brings her husband's memories from his teen years to life in this biography. He survived the Japanese internment camps on Java and this is a faithful account of the power of the individual to survive horrific situations.