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The Suitcase: The Life and Times of Captain X

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At a glance

Condition
New
Dimensions
5.5 x 1.31 x 8.5 in
Weight
1.2 lb
Publisher
Earnshaw Books Ltd
Publication date
February 21, 2023
Language
English
Print length
526 pages

Description

The Suitcase is a tour-de-force, an imagining of the autobiography of an opportunistic Czech playboy, who avoided legal troubles and subsequently, the Holocaust by moving to Shanghai. There, he joined the fight against fascism, and later continued that struggle in London while his family was murdered in the camps. This narrative, written in the style of a bygone era, will transport readers to a world far different, yet eerily similar to that of the 21st century. This is the true story of Vladimír George Taussig, a veteran of the Great War whose unfortunate decisions in his native Prague forced him to flee to Shanghai where he fell in with high society-until the Japanese invasion, the beginning of World War II, encroached on the Shanghailanders' rollicking lifestyle. On the other side of the world, his family's lives began to disintegrate when Czechoslovakia was occupied and the horrors of the war reached their doorstep. From dancing on Shanghai's Bund, to mingling with radio stars in New York City, to speaking out against fascism across Britain, this tale, pieced together from Taussig's letters and other memorabilia, is one of passion and tenacity, weakness and courage, impropriety and decency, lies and truths, exclusion and tolerance, and life and death. Read more

Specs 8

Publisher Earnshaw Books Ltd
Publication date February 21, 2023
Language English
Print length 526 pages
ISBN-10 9888769588
ISBN-13 82
Item Weight 1.2 pounds
Dimensions 5.5 x 1.31 x 8.5 inches

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Top Amazon Reviews

The Suitcase is a gripping story of the fascinating life of Vladimir Taussig
The Suitcase is a departure from the typical Sci-Fi and Fantasy books I read, and I couldn't have been more surprised how much I enjoyed it! Vladimir's story, his personality, his code of morals, and the incredible situations he lived through grabbed my attention from the first page. The Suitcase takes you on a wild ride that follows Vladimir's journey and reads kind of like The Great Gatsby set in pre WWII Shanghai, ending up with a more Schindler's List feel towards the end of the book. The people, places, and events are all historically accurate which only made it more fascinating as I frequently went on internet searches to read more about them. The Suitcase is clearly a labor of love from the authors. The exhaustively researched history blends perfectly with a compelling narrative and endearing dialogue. The whole book made me feel a personal connection to Vladimir and had me rooting for him the entire way. He lived four separate lives that were each more interesting than most people will ever live and it was fascinating to read about and experience through this book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023 by KaM Felice
An essential addition to understanding history
This book gives us a unique view into an little known facet of the history of the world in the era of WWII.
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2023 by Summer Moon
Riveting and captivating story
The Suitcase is a riveting true-life story that transports readers to the turbulent early twentieth century. The authors expertly bring Vladimr's story to life, evoking a bygone era and transporting readers to a fascinating and poignant time and place. This book captivates from start to finish with its story of ardor, bravery, and tenacity. A remarkable story of perseverance in the face of insurmountable adversity, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Highly recommended. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023 by JLJ
Historical Roadmap
A decades-long roadmap and journey through some of the most turbulent times of our recent history. This well-researched page turner novel stitches together the adventures, exploits, and life of Vladimir George Taussig. An engaging and charismatic bon vivant who always seems to find a way to weather the trials and tribulations of a violently changing world. One can but wish to peruse the contents of the suitcase that must have been passionately possessed and was ultimately a time capsule and catalyst for this story. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024 by Gary Finnan
Elie Wiesel's 'Night' meets Fitgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'
The Suitcase by Lauren Housman & Deborah Taussig-Boehner is fantastic. Full stop. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, and spanning through the Second World War, this novel is a powerful and poignant story that captures the essence of a tumultuous era, but in a way that isn't as commonly written about. The majority of books of the WWII era focus on the European theater or the Pacific theater (at least the ones that I've read), whereas The Suitcase deals with what was happening in China and Czechoslovakia in the years leading up to and during WWII, as well as what was happening in Britain during the later days of the war. And it's all true! The Suitcase is based on the contents of a suitcase left by Deborah Taussig-Boehner's grandfather and all of the trials and tribulations he encountered in his journeys across countries and continents. What makes this novel truly exceptional is its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy. Lauren Houseman has clearly done her research, and the result is a rich and immersive portrayal of life in Shanghai, Czechoslovakia, Britain, and America during the pre-WWII and WWII era. The descriptions of the fashion, music, and culture of the time are vivid and engaging, and transported me to another time and place. I often found myself taking little mini-research trips myself, checking out various celebrities and musicians of the time that I almost certainly wouldn't have encountered otherwise. Juxtapose all of this with the fact that the main character, Vladimír George Taussig, was Jewish in WWII? In many ways, The Suitcase can be compared to classic novels set in the same era, such as The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye. It has that same timeless quality that captures the essence of an era and the human experience in a way that resonates with readers of all ages. Overall, The Suitcase is both engaging and thought-provoking. Houseman and Taussig-Boehner have created a world that is both familiar and foreign, and the result is a story that is both timeless and timely. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, as well as those who are simply looking for a great story to get lost in. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2023 by Chika Burnham
The story of an incredible life--a must-read book!
Beginning in 1931 in Czech and spanning many decades and countries, The Suitcase: The Life and Times of Captain X tells the story of a life saved in a battered cardboard suitcase. Vladimir George Taussig, a.k.a., Captain X, lived his lifetime as one touched by luck, by fame, by horror, and by heartache. From running for his life to dancing with radio stars, Taussig lived an incredible life, and this story does an admirable job of taking readers by the hand and leading them through this mans adventures and misadventures. The story itself is well written with excellent description and engrossing detail. Because I'm an eager researcher, I fact-checked more than once to ensure this riveting tale wasn't fiction, but fiction could never do justice to this gripping true story. During my searches, I learned that actual contents of the real suitcase are pictured on the book's website! How exciting to see those items! It lends even more to the story's impeccable accuracy of historic detail. It's remarkable how that, even though the story is historic in nature, so much of what happens is applicable to life today. Truly, there's no better time--no better day!-- to buy and read this book. You'll be engrossed, as I was, from the first page to the last. Enjoy! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2023 by Rhonda S. White
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