Phantom Paradise: Escape From Manchuria

Phantom Paradise by Kay Enokido is a compelling personal account of danger, chaos, and ultimate triumph. In it, Kay shares her mother’s first-hand account of her harrowing escape from Manchuria with three young children after the fall of the Empire of Japan. She provides translations of contemporary Japanese documents, shining a light on international political events and the experiences of private citizens who suffered in the waning days of the Manchurian puppet state, and after returning to post-WWII Japan.

 At times shocking and moving, but always riveting, Phantom Paradise ultimately inspires.  We are in awe of the courageous woman who fought single-handedly to keep her children alive and safe during treacherous time, and we marvel at the author’s pursuit of life with the same spirit of courage and determination that her mother exhibited.

This remarkable memoir vividly captures the challenges of ordinary families in extraordinary times, and demonstrates that survival is possible during chaotic and dangerous situations of war and upheaval, then and now.