Books like Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard
The book traces J.G. Ballard’s early life as a boy in occupied Shanghai and his experiences in the Lunghua Civilian Assembly Centre, where he was interned from 1942 to 1945. Drawing on his own memories, the narrative offers an intimate look at life under Japanese occupation and the harsh conditions of internment camps.
Through vignettes of daily routines, friendships, and the broader wartime environment, Ballard captures the psychological toll of war on young civilians. The account illuminates the cultural clash between the imperial Japanese administration and the diverse expatriate community in Shanghai, as well as the survival strategies of the internees.
First publish date: September 12, 1994
Genre: Historical Fiction/20th Century Historical Fiction
Authors: J. G. Ballard
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