Reinhold C. Ferster was born in Buffalo, NY, and studied commercial art at the University of Buffalo and Rochester Institute of Technology.
He served in the U.S. Navy aboard destroyers and later, as an illustrator in the Admiral’s Public Information Office, Newport, Rhode Island. He also served simultaneously as a 2nd Lt., Rhode Island Militia, historical command, Newport Artillery Company.
After working as a commercial artist and copywriter at ad agencies, Reinhold opened an advertising and marketing agency in Buffalo and Toronto, Canada. With a passionate interest in world cultures, he coined the phrase, “Visual Protocol,” meaning the perception and interpretation of visual messages by cultures other than our own. He wrote a series of articles for the Jacksonville Business Journal, titled “As They See It.” Reinhold also was a political cartoonist.
Letters of the Lost Children: Japan – World War II
A New Release from Pisgah Press now available on Amazon
Reinhold Ferster and Jan Atchley Bevan have written a creative non-fictional account, inspired by historical events. Letters of the Lost Children: Japan – World War II is an astounding reimagining of the lives and deaths of dozens of young Japanese student soldiers during World War II is based on a cache of photos of these sacrificial warriors that Reinhold discovered many years ago. The book includes in-depth research on the history of Japan, its philosophy of war, and the worship of the emperor as a demi-god, the writers have allowed us to feel the mixed emotions—fears, devotion, stoicism, honor—of these children.
These are not the words of the student soldiers but of the authors; yet the stories are real, if not factual, and the emotions are true. The book serves as a memorial to these very young boys as well as their friends, parents, fiancées, and other loved ones. They are among the forgotten victims of the war, now remembered for the lives they lived and sacrificed.
Tom Flynn, the late editor of Free Inquiry magazine, wrote a glowing, five-star review on Amazon:
“With Letters of the Lost Children, Reinhold C. Ferster and Jan Atchley Bevan have accomplished something unique, touching, and filled with hope … Interwoven with commentary rooted in a deep understanding of wartime Japanese culture, the book offers a deeply moving, speculative portrait of young men—oh, so terribly young—facing near-certain annihilation in the closing years of a war their country could never win. The book is rich with compassion and, paradoxically, a deep appreciation of the power of human brotherhood.”
And Professor Gary Smart of the University of N. Texas had this to say:
[This] beautiful book tells a story, presents a point of view that is rather unique—sadly… It brought back many poignant memories of Japan and its culture, traditions and history.
Truly one of a kind
In the words of NC writer Rachel Garrity, “The word ‘unique’ is over-used, but it truly fits this extraordinary piece of work. In trying to recommend the book to friends, I fail completely when they ask, “OK, so what other book is it like? I have lots to read.” The answer is, “Read it, because it ISN’T like other books.” The writing is at once poignant and gripping, and it offers a perspective on the effects of international conflict that is rarely found, much less articulated so comprehensively…. I cherish it in the way I did my favorite book as a five-year-old.
Jan Atchley Bevan, who has written poetry and children’s books and was Author in Residence at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, FL, also served as president (2010-14) of the Jacksonville branch of the National League of American Pen Women.
Visit www.lettersofthelostchildren.com for more information.