The Second World War is often depicted in print and film from the perspective of the soldiers. Rarely is the horror of The War seen from the perspective of civilians, bystanders, and victims. Author Frank de la Rosas book, Beyond Forgetting, a memoir of life during the Philippine theatre of World War II, is one of those rare peeks into the horrors experienced by civilians.
Frank was a four-year-old child when the Japanese invaded the Philippines, and it upended his entire life. Living on the island of Catanduanes, which lay on the eastern seaboard of the Philippine islands, he saw firsthand the devastating effects of the war. Today, Frank is a retired engineer living in Florida. Despite starting his education later than expected thanks to World War II, he holds multiple diplomas ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in agricultural engineering from both the Philippines and the United States. He also has an undergraduate diploma in mechanical engineering from the Heald Institute of Technology. Beyond Forgetting is his sixth book. He has previously published other memoirs of life in the Philippines, including The Thing of Beauty Is a Joy Forever: A Colorful Life of an Immigrant in America.
Beyond Forgetting shares the story of how the families in the town of Panganiban and throughout the island sank into poverty. With its strategic location at the easternmost tip of Luzon island, the Japanese built garrisons in Catanduanes, including in Franks hometown of Panganiban. Frank recalls how he and his family lived an uneasy life tainted by constant fear and dread. The presence of the Japanese military and the inevitable skirmishes with the forces of Operation Musketeer I through III throughout the war made life and living difficult in Panganiban.
However, he also writes about the stories of camaraderie, friendship, and love that carried Frank and his fellow civilians through the war. He talks about his hometown with misty-eyed fondness and paints a vibrant picture of its hills, valleys, and people. The book also touches on what happened after The War. Frank tells readers stories of how his family and town rebuilt after the Japanese occupation and talks about his own personal journey of redemption from the depths of the hell that was the Second World War.
Interested parties who may wish to learn more about Frank, his life may purchase Beyond Forgetting on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers.
Franks inspiring life story was recently featured in Catanduanes Tribune, a newspaper company in the Philippines. Readers may read the full article here.
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