Overview
A ground-breaking history of the US Navy nurses held prisoner in the Philippines during World War II and the dramatic rescue operation to end their story
A true story of courage and survival in the face of war. In 1940, Navy nurse Dorothy Still eagerly anticipates her assignment in the Philippines. But as war looms, Dorothy transforms from a nurse to a war nurse. When the Philippines falls, she becomes a prisoner of war, enduring disease, starvation, and abuse.
Along with fellow nurses, she provides tireless care in cramped conditions, finding friendship and even love amidst hardship. This is the incredible true story of a young woman who fought for life during a dark time. Perfect for readers interested in World War II history and biographies of courageous women.
Reviews
“This Is Really War tells the mostly unknown story of the US Navy nurses captured by the Japanese in the Philippines in World War II. The reader will learn how these nurses, who considered themselves average women, rose to the challenge and survived a prison experience that many, many others did not. A thoroughly researched, fascinating book.” —Elizabeth Norman, author of We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of the American Women Trapped on Bataan and Women at War: The Story of Fifty Military Nurses Who Served in Vietnam
“With her vivid style coupled with immaculate research, Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi tells an incredible true story that reads like great fiction. This Is Really War is an unflinching portrait of women surviving the unthinkable. This is history both epic and personal, recounted by a gifted writer.” —Arnie Bernstein, author of Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund
“This Is Really War is a testament to both the horrors of Japanese captivity during the Second World War and the resilience of the American nurses forced to endure it. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi’s beautifully detailed writing is equal parts captivating and heartbreaking.” —Kathryn J. Atwood, author of Women Heroes of World War II
“Lucchesi’s well-researched, horrifying story effectively and compassionately recounts underappreciated courage, professionalism, and resiliency.” --Booklist
Author Biography
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi is the author of Ugly Prey and has contributed to the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Baltimore Sun, Detroit Free Press, Miami Herald, Seattle Times and Crain’s Chicago Business. She has taught courses in media history, media criticism and journalism and is a frequent guest lecturer in graduate and undergraduate media courses. She lives in Oak Park, Illinois.
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