BOOK TALK | Ian Darragh – Blatant Injustice

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Join Ian Darragh as he discusses the experiences of Jewish refugees to Canada who were treated as enemies and imprisoned in internment camps during World War II. He will draw from Blatant Injustice: The Story of a Jewish Refugee from Nazi Germany Imprisoned in Britain and Canada during World War II, the memoir of Walter W. Igersheimer, as well as his own research.

The Atwater Library Lunchtime Series features once-a-week presentations by leading writers, musicians, intellectuals, scientists, and many more people sharing their knowledge and experience with the Atwater Library community. Lunchtime Series events usually take place on Thursdays (but sometimes are on other days), from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Admission is free though we do appreciate donations! Everyone is welcome.

Event takes place both in-person and by Zoom. 

1200 Atwater Ave., Westmount, Québec H3Z 1X4

Learn more here: https://atwaterlibrary.ca/events/lunchtime-series/

A refugee from Nazi Germany, Walter W. Igersheimer (1917-2012) survived internment camps in Britain and Canada. After studying at St. Mary's Hospital Medical School (London) and Tufts University, he became a distinguished clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale University noted for his pioneering work in group therapy.

Ian Darragh is a former editor-in-chief of Canadian Geographic magazine. His writing has been published in National Geographic and Spacing magazines.

 about the book

Grossly unsanitary living conditions, cruel and abusive treatment by camp officials, the withholding of medical treatment - these were common experiences for refugees imprisoned at internment camps in Britain and Canada. Walter Igersheimer's memoir exposes this bleak period in the British and Canadian war record.

After escaping from Nazi Germany with his family, Igersheimer was completing his medical studies when he was caught in the panic that led to the internment of 30,000 German citizens living in Britain. They were placed behind barbed wire and treated as enemies. Many of the Jewish refugees were then sent to prisons in Canada, but the internees did not let the authorities crush their creativity or desire for an education: they started a free university, mounted plays, and wrote musicals.

Laced with black humour, Blatant Injustice is a story of resilience and determination.