This book was written mostly from the memories of an older gentleman. He did live through World War II and he was captured by the Japanese. However, as his granddaughter states in her opening remarks, these memories are those of a child. Some names and dates are blurry and other things are uncertain. His granddaughter and their editor did their best to get all the facts they could in relation to his story. Some of the information they needed was from Japan and the Japanese would not give it to them. The personal stories come from Nick as he wrote or recorded them. There are other facts that come from different sources that are listed in a bibliography in the back.
Most people have studied World War II in a history class in high school or college. Perhaps you have taken several classes and learned about the many different sides to the war. How many have heard the story of Attu though? How many people even know it existed? I didn't until I came across this document. If you like personal stories, this is the item for you. Mixed in with Nick's memories are pictures and details about Attu. There are also other first hand accounts from the survivors. Many of them were/are reluctant to talk about their experiences during the war. This is part of the reason very few people know about the people of Attu. Nick Golodoff wanted his story to be told. He thought others should know what he and the rest of his village went through. If anyone is interested in discovering something new about World War II or likes to learn about the lives of others, then they should check out Attu Boy. It's sudoc number is I 29.2: AT 8/2.