Shantung Compound: The Story of Men and Women Under Pressure

by Langdon Gilkey

This vivid diary of life in a Japanese internment camp during World War II examines the moral challenges encountered in conditions of confinement and deprivation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Christian, Sociology, World War II

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 1975

Reviews

[Richard Subber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most provocative book I’ve read in my adult life.
It powerfully evokes a very civilized despair for the human social condition. It implies that the Western notion of the social contract is a wistful, romantic notion. I think I said that in a nice way. Shantung Compound was a blunt, clarifying, transformative read for me.
In Gilkey’s words, “This book is about the life of a civilian internment camp in North China during the war against Japan . . . Because internment-camp life seems to reveal more clearly than does ordinary experience the anatomy of man’s common social and moral problems and the bases of human communal existence, this book finally has been written.”
Gilkey was a 24-year-old American teacher in a Chinese university when World War II commenced. He and about 2,000 others, mostly Europeans including academics, clergy and businessmen, were imprisoned for more than two years in relatively benign conditions in the Weihsien camp near Shantung. Their Japanese captors provided the bare minimum of food and coal, and told the inmates to run the camp inside the walls.
Shantung Compound is Gilkey’s account of the endlessly frustrated attempts, by various camp leaders and elected committees and a few charismatic individuals, to enforce a fair allocation of the smallish rooms and dorm beds, to get everyone to do a fair share of work, to prevent stealing, to settle social disputes, to provide for the exceptional needs of the elderly, the frail, the young kids, the nursing mothers…
The overwhelming truth is that, facing the prospective dangers and daily extremities of camp life, nearly all of the internees didn’t “rise to the occasion” to protect the weak and to cooperate rationally for their own good and the common good.
Instead, this is what nearly all of the internees—most of them white, educated, Western—tended to do most of the time: they conspicuously looked out for themselves and their families, declined to do more than a modicum of work, refused to give up some of their “equal” share of food and housing to needier fellow inmates, shied away from volunteer leadership, declined to share the contents of relief parcels sent by their “own” governments, stole food and supplies whenever possible, refused to punish the egregious wrongdoers among them, and rationalized most of their uncharitable, uncooperative and uncivil behavior in complex variations of religious and humanist moralities…
Mind you, this wasn’t humanity in a state of nature. No “. . . Nature, red in tooth and claw” stuff. The Japanese guards remained aloof from the prisoners’ largely autonomous camp administration, and permitted black market trading with villagers outside the camp. The internees lived in dismal but not life-threatening conditions. They lived peaceably, often manifesting their shortcomings in a nominally genteel way. In a perverted sense, they were in a protected environment, and really didn’t worry much about anything except surviving in a tolerably impoverished condition as part of a generally homogeneous group.
They could have lived an Enlightenment fantasy. They could have established a coherent community with orderly cooperation, consensual leadership and rational allocation of food, housing and civic niceties to appropriately satisfy the disparate needs of all.
But they didn’t.
Here endeth the lesson for today.

Read more of my book reviews and poems here:
http://richardsubber.com/

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re interested in ethics, morality and psychology, you’ll enjoy this. I read this because I heard a reference from it about Eric Ridley in a sermon, but there’s only about a paragraph about him after nearly 200 pages. So not exactly what I was expecting for information on him, but still interesting. Gilkey is humorous and insightful, but at times I tired of the philosophy a little. However, there is rich wisdom in the end of the book and I would buy a copy just for that. Lastly, it is fairly informative about a part of WWII that I didn’t really know about.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why this book: Recommended to my by my friend Peter Rae.

Summary in 3 sentences:  Imagine taking a fairly random group of about 2000 civilians from a number of different countries, locking  them inside a small compound, taking away all rank privilege or previous status, providing food and basic necessities, isolating them from all contact with the outside world, and telling them to figure it out.  That’s what the Japanese did with western civilians in China when they occupied China during WWII. Langdon Gilkey, an idealistic young Harvard grad teaching in Peking was one of those 2000, and in Shantung Compound, he shares his experiences in that compound, and draws his very interesting conclusions about human nature and morality.

My impressions:  This is fascinating book that is full of wisdom and insight about human nature and man-the-social-animal.  It is a book I would love to read and discuss with people who are thoughtful about communities, society, politics and how people can best live together.  It is real - it really happened. This author was there, and writes about his experience with care and compassion, and shares the many insights and lessons learned he gained from his experience.  This book is a gift. I'm surprised it isn't better known.

To read the rest of my review with an extensive list of quotes, to to: https://bobsbeenreading.wordpress.com...

[Scottk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful portrayal of humanity. Gilkey pulls back the layers of human motivation by retelling his experience at Shantung Compound (a detainee camp in China during WWII). The result is a honest and genuine expression of the human psyche. His story has seeped into my consciousness and will go with me for years to come. This is a book that I will come back to every few years as a way to remind me of the complexity of humanity.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've tried to write a review a couple of time but each time I make the book sound boring.

So instead:
I really enjoyed this book.
I would read it again.
I've quoted this book more than 5 times in the last 2 weeks.
It was entertaining. I laughed out loud in places.
My worldview was significantly and wonderfully challenged.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as a companion to a summer preaching series on Philippians.

Really interesting story about how a society functions when it’s turned upside down.
There are some very subtle and important observations about how modern people respond to adversity, and unwanted circumstances.

I was really struck by his observations about priests and missionaries in particular; how some of them responded to the new reality with “creative freedom” (usually the monks). I was equally haunted by how others responded with selfishness (the protestants, though not exclusively). Of course, Gilkey also has the gem of the story about Eric Liddell. Though I won’t give it away here. .

Gilkey was a philosopher. He treats his internment during WWII in China as an opportunity to observe his environment. I am thankful for philosophers!

[Paul Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most thought provoking books I have read and I highly recommend it. Gilkey's experience in a WWII internment camp forced him to see just how selfish we as human beings truly are. When things were difficult, those who were interned in the camp tended to be much more concerned with their own personal welfare and security than with that of the whole group. It frightens me to think how poorly I might respond to a similar situation, especially after reading about how poorly many (though not all) of the Protestant missionaries in the camp fared. It was also interesting to me that the author's experience led him to conclude that the Christian doctrine of original sin was the only adequate explanation for the human behavior that he observed. He also seems to have concluded that the Christian doctrine of God's providence as the only thing that can give true meaning to life.

[Trice]

Heard about this book while listening to Tim Keller in his March 7, 2016 sermon "[RISE] Changed Lives," when he was reading from a portion that included some of Gilkey's views on Eric Liddell - who was also in the camp - and on human nature and religion. He closed after the following quote from the book:

Religion is not the place where the problem of man's egotism is automatically solved. Rather, it is there that the ultimate battle between human pride and God's grace takes place. Human pride may win the battle, and then religion can and does become one more instrument of human sin. But if there the self does meet God and His grace, and so surrenders to something beyond its self-interest, then Christian faith can prove to be the needed and rare release from human self-concern.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book over 30 years ago in college, I believe it was for an Intro to Poli. Sci. course. It has always stayed with me, and I've thought about it off and on through the years.

Gilkey describes his life during WW II while imprisoned in a camp in China by the Japanese. The camp was populated by over 1,000 people from all walks of life, all expats from various allied countries living and working in China when the war broke out. The Japanese mostly left them to run and order the camp on their own. The result was essentially an experiment of the "social contract" by which humans organize and maintain their societies. This could have gone the "Lord of the Flies" route, but for the most part these civilized internees managed to build a stable society.

A fascinating and thought-provoking read. It stays with you long after you read it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thought provoking account of life in a Chinese internment camp during WWII. All were civilians and they were treated fairly benignly by the Japanese guards. But 2000 diverse Westerners were thrown together and had to make life work in the camp with cramped space, few material goods, and not quite enough food. The author watched how people reacted and was continually surprised by how creatively individuals could solve problems but also how selfishly people could behave. Especially religious people. He used this 2.5 yr experience to rethink his views on human nature, spirituality, and community. In the end, he became a theologian based on his experiences in the camp. A fascinating account and his reasoning and connections to the wider world populations are well argued. A worthwhile read, though dated, and a bit too prosy at times.

[David Blynov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilkey explores the fields of politics, sociology, philosophy, etc., all within the confines of a Japanese camp. His reasoning for the existence of God, as well as his examination of human nature, is powerful.

4.7/5

[Kim Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had read in college and I must say it was one book I didn't mind reading at all!!!

[Rodney Harvill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1943, around 1,500 American and European expats, spouses and children in China were interned by the Japanese in a camp near Weihsien until the end of the war in the Pacific. Langdon Gilkey, a young single man at the time, was one of the internees, and this book is his memoir of that experience. Because he went on to become a seminary professor, I would normally refer to him as Dr. Gilkey or Professor Gilkey out of respect, but because his experiences predated that, I will refer to him as Mr. Gilkey to avoid giving a false impression about him at the time in question.
While the Japanese were notorious for their cruelty toward prisoners during World War II, this was not the experience in Wiehsien. The internees were expected to establish their own civil government that would maintain order in the camp. The Japanese guards were responsible for camp security but generally left the internees alone. For this reason, the issues described in this book reflect the human nature and character flaws of the internees. The issues included:

• There was limited housing. Single adults lived in communal dormitory spaces, and family units were given one- or two-room accommodations supposedly based on their needs.
• There was limited food. The Japanese provided a food allowance that diminished as time progressed although there were occasional Red Cross care packages that supplemented the food allowance.
• There was a camp black market in which supplies could be bought from the Chinese outside the camp. The guards insisted on functioning as middlemen because they could take a cut although there were occasional illicit exchanges at the camp fence that could result in severe penalties to those caught in the act.
• Everybody had a job to do although there were some issues with competence and with some workers slacking off.

Because Mr. Gilkey had a lot to say about all of these issues, I will try to comment on them in this review:

• Because he was part of a committee responsible for housing, he got to see a lot of conflict. For example, the space above, below and immediately around one’s bed in the communal housing was personal space, but there were those who tried to move other people’s beds to increase their own space at others’ expense. In addition, when a communal space was overcrowded, it was very difficult to persuade those living in less crowded space to accept additional people, thereby reducing their own personal space, to alleviate overcrowding elsewhere. There was another situation in which families with small children had one room while those with older children had two rooms. The housing committee tried setting up dormitory arrangements for teenagers with the idea that their parents could go down to one room, allowing the families with small children to have additional room to accommodate their restless toddlers. Reasonable in theory but difficult in practice because almost no one wanted to give up that extra room.
• There was an incident in which the American Red Cross sent 1,500 care packages. Of the 1,400 internees in the camp at the time, 200 were American. The Japanese proposed a distribution of 1 care package to all non-Americans and 1 ½ to all Americans, which Mr. Gilkey, an American, considered reasonable. However, some Americans felt that since these were from the American Red Cross, they should all go to the Americans and that the other internees should receive care packages from their own nations. Ultimately, the Japanese distributed one care package per internee and sent the extra 100 to another camp.
• As the allowances for food, coal, etc., were reduced, there was an uptick in theft. Because these supplies were provided by the Japanese, the thieves reasoned that they were stealing from the enemy and that the Japanese would have to make up the loss. In reality, because the loss wasn’t being made up, they were actually stealing from their fellow internees, who had to make do with less on account of the thefts.
• Because the Japanese wanted to control the black market, they prohibited direct trade between internees and Chinese. However, some internees managed to engage in direct trade. One of them employed his more agile teenage son in the trade. To him, this was a type of targeted defiance. To his son, however, this was a lesson in flouting the rules; consequently, he learned disrespect for rules and laws.
• Because the internees barely had enough to survive, there was no good way to incent productivity. Some people were less productive because they lacked the skills and abilities to do jobs that had to be done, and there were slackers who couldn’t be motivated by social pressure to work. It would be one thing to deny the slackers material comforts, but would it it just to deny them food to survive in these circumstances given that it would have been a death sentence?

I found Mr. Gilkey’s interpretation of these issues and experiences to be most interesting. For example, when he went to the camp, he held the Progressive view that man was an inherently moral creature. After dealing with the housing issues, the matter of the care packages, etc., he became a believer in what Catholics call original sin and what Protestants call sin nature. Consider the issue of generosity. If one has seen people be generous with their excess, he might conclude that people are fundamentally generous, but the true test is generosity when there is no excess, when giving something away is a potential threat to one’s own survival. That was the situation in the camp, and most people failed the test. He addresses more issues than just the issue of generosity, and I don’t always agree with his conclusions. However, the issues he brings up should be considered in assessing the human condition. For this reason, I consider this book to be worthwhile.

[J. Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book is almost 70 years old, its issues are as fresh as this morning's news. Gilkey shares a thoughtful memoire of his time in a Japanese concentration camp during WW II. While not treated as poorly as many who spent time in wartime camps, he and his fellow inmates suffered enough deprivation that their behaviors changed considerably. Gilkey narrates the conflicts in the camp, the dramas, the scarcity, and the eye opening dynamics that take place when you bring religious and secular people into close space. His narrative explores the relationship between the primal needs of people and morality. He uncovers the ways that religion and morality mask human selfishness. He also gives a thoughtful critique on the limits of humanism: the idea that people will become better and better if enough external obstacles are removed. As we deal with bad behavior in our own culture...and world, this old book is well worth a fresh read, giving us fresh insights into both ourselves and others, and some new energy to navigate the psychological, philosophical, economic, and spiritual issues we are confronting.

[James Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really was a fascinating book. Set in the 1940's when Japan had taken over China and Westerners had been sent to concentration camps. Gilkey's analysis of humanity in all it's forms in the midst of a severe lack of both freedom and food is truly fascinating.

The stories are engaging and profound, especially his recognition of the self centredness of humanity in the face of limited resources puts a bullet hole through a humanists ideal of profound moral improvement.

His cry for people's lives to be centred on the love of God in Christ and not a separated holy club is as relevant today as ever. In addition his recognition that nations are now trending in very different directions from a Western society founded on Christ's love of neighbour. The church has much to hang its head in shame when we consider it's judgemental attitude to those outside the faith

A truly recommended read if you want to understand why secular humanity without a loving God framework is doomed to failure.

[Travis Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up to read thinking it was going to be an interesting story about how a group of people survived an internment. I didn’t expect to read a sociology and theology book.

I read this during the pandemic and toilet paper shortage of 2020. It shed so much light on how and why people are behaving the way they are... and it was terribly sad as I realized that the actions I were seeing are not a one time occurrence but a fatal flaw that exists in all of us and can only be overcome with an intense amount of intentional work and self-evaluation. I would even go so far as to say this can only be consistently attained with a religious framework that emphasizes moral behavior.

Definitely read this one with a pencil and highlighter for taking notes and emphasizing sections.

[J.C Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating first-hand look at internment camp life under Japanese control during WWII in occupied China. While Langdon Gilkey's observations about the inner workings of human thought, morality, and ethics when put into situations out of their control are acutely gathered his conclusions, especially his final analysis, leave much to be desired. Perhaps the true analysis is best left for the reader to ponder and research further without definite answers given by the author. It's his own experience and written account to comment and conclude on, however; the real meanings from this book on human experience are probably best left for the reader to figure out themselves.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of the most provocative books I've read this past year.

The young author writes his reflections on living in a compound filled with primarily Western non-belligerents during WWII in China, rounded up by Japanese troops. The population is a wide mix of businessmen and spouses, missionaries of all kinds, catholic priests and lay workers, and other adventurers.

No tales of torture or violence, rather behavior by various individuals and groups when deprived of luxuries, space, and conveniences.

The author has a keen mind to go along with his acute observational skills - an illuminating and informative combination with the bonus of writing it down for others to read.

[Caleb Schmurr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Langdon Gilkey tells the story of 2000 camp internees, and how they live together in Japanese-occupied China during World War II. The group of foreigners from all walks of life reveal their true natures when all the comforts and structure of modern living are stripped away.

Gilkey offers thoughtful commentary on human nature, philosophy and religion throughout the story. A great read for anyone interested in ethics, philosophy and history. At times Gilkey’s philosophy became a little drawn out and lofty, but overall the book is a great read

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author spent nearly 4 years in a Chinese internment camp during World War II with two thousand other westerners. This book is about how people maintain order and society when crowded together. In such dire situations, in the absence of luxuries and security, people are not at their best, Gilkey reports. Otherwise upstanding Christian citizens turn selfish and cruel. This is a good book for anyone studying management or leadership skills.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I slowly read this book and enjoyed the mixture of memoir (sometimes funny, sometimes poignant) and musing. This is a book of the reality of life in an internment camp in China during WWII. But it is also practical philosophy, reflecting on his and other’s journeys. It is a tale of his own spiritual journey, set in an internment camp. Be prepared to put the book down at times, and ponder, as you work through it.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently written book on internment of American citizens in a Japanese internment camp. Tells the story clearly and with wit that makes it a joy to read. Interspersed with the author's thoughts on religion, ethics and politics which are generally insightful and helpful, though his final conclusion on religion seems to contradict his insights on human nature and providence. I'll be recommending the book and likely read it again both for pleasure and thought-provocation.

[Deborah]

Written 50+ years ago by an American about his experience living in a detention camp overseas during WW2, this tale is eerily relevant today as we navigate this time of social, political and economic chaos. Rarely are we able to observe so keenly the way we humans actually behave under threat to our personal safety, security and future.

[Joy Stackhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what to expect. Even the historical accounts and stories but at times got a little too philosophical for me in discussions about community life. Towards the end I was skimming pages. I think I just thought it would be a little more history so if you like discussions about things and how society develops this would be book for you

[Sheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a quick easy read, but thought provoking and insightful. Made me wish I read it with a few people so I could discuss what the author discovered and compare it to how we live our current lives and make the decisions we make.

[Andy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incisive reflection on human social nature under extremis. So much more instructive than, say, Lord of the Flies in such a respect. It helps that this is a true story. World-view forming for me personally.

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compelling reflection on how 1,500 people held as prisoners in China during WW2, made the author realize that there is a God. And that without God we have not case for unselfish behavior.

recommend.

[R S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little tedious toward the end, and it gets pretty deep. There were some really good ideas presented.

Also, the edition that I purchased had several typographical errors. Nothing major though. Often times “the” was replaced by “die”.

[Angela Miller-Scroggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s like a philosophy and anthropology text hidden under the guise of a memoir. I thought it was a slow read but also insightful about the human condition and provided moments of humor and reflection.

[Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arguably one of the most important books I ever read during my undergraduate years at Whitworth University. I always recommend this book to fellow idealists who do not believe in Original Sin.