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.
Some Five-Star Reviews of The Suitcase
An Essential Addition to Understanding History
This book gives us a unique view into a little-known facet of the history of the world in the era of WWII.
Better than Fiction. A Rush from Start to Finish.
…The Suitcase is a beautifully written and captivating memoir that offers a unique perspective on the history of the 20th century, the immigrant experience, and the power of memory. Highly recommended.
The Suitcase is a Gripping Story of the Fascinating Life of Vladimir Taussig
…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…
Elie Wiesel’s ‘Night’ Meets Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’
…a powerful and poignant story that captures the essence of a tumultuous era, but in a way that isn’t as commonly written about…
What makes this [story] truly exceptional is its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy…
…The Suitcase is both engaging and thought-provoking. Housman 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…
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 Vladimir’s story to life, evoking a bygone era… This book captivates from start to finish… A remarkable story of perseverance in the face of insurmountable adversity, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Highly recommended.
The Story of an Incredible Life—A Must-Read Book!
…The Suitcase… tells the story of a life saved in a battered… 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…
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…
Loved this Book!
…If you enjoy WWII era history or just want to read a thrilling, well-written and historically accurate story, I’d highly recommend you check out The Suitcase.
A Remarkable Story Told Remarkably!
What an amazing journey The Suitcase provides for its readers. It’s a must for history buffs, genealogists, and anyone who loves a great story!…
A Lost Gem of History
What I wouldn’t give to read a book like this about my own father or grandfather or great-grandfather’s life! To spin together an accurate, personal depiction of someone’s life who lived through such momentous parts of history all over the world!…
Riveting Journey through Perilous Landscape
I could not put The Suitcase down!… 1 part history, 1 part travel journal, and 1 part biography, is the perfect mixture for an excellent read… I laughed, I cried, and I celebrated his personal victories. The Suitcase: The Life and Times of Captain X is a must read!!!
Such Detail!
The care that went into this story is incredible… I felt like I understood the big war through an entirely new lens, one that history books don’t show. It’s a very clever piece of writing that I highly recommend.
Must Read!
This true story had me hooked from the beginning… If you love history and colorful characters, you will love this book!
Riveting Read!
This epic story… spans decades. Like pieces of an intricate puzzle, the details… have been reconstructed into an engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about the human side of history.
Be Transported in Time
What a great book. Very engaging writing style that quickly transported me back in time to 1930s Shanghai. Enjoyed experiencing history from a first person perspective. Highly recommend!