Description
May 12, 1944 – 25 days before D-Day
President Franklin Roosevelt orders a special team to undertake a mission to Moscow to tell Joseph Stalin about America’s capability to complete the development of the atom bomb. Based upon the personal journal of Beatrice Rapoport, one of the team’s leaders.
About the Author
Beatrice Rapoport (Bobby) was my mother. She was born in Russia September 21, 1910. Her mother Ida Rapoport was visiting family. Her father Max Rapoport was an American citizen.
In early September 1995, while helping Bobby move some old boxes into her new house, my wife Betsy found the Journal. Prior to that time we had no idea that Bobby had been in the United States Intelligence Service during World War II, and had reported directly to President Franklin Roosevelt.
The Journal is presented here with additional notes and images taken from a variety of sources to provide background for readers unfamiliar with the events history calls World War II, specifically the events of July, 1944.
Michael Feinberg
Rose McQuinn –
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Journal of an American Away From Home.” I found myself drawn into the seriousness and the dangerous situations they found themselves in while performing their mission and wondered what the purpose of their classified mission was. It was wonderful to read the beautiful cursive writing on the right side of every page, but having it typed out on the left side of each page made for quicker reading.
The interview excerpts at the end of the book were well done and helped answer many questions I had in my mind while reading her journal.
Sharon Short Iversen –
I have to thank Betsy and Michael Feinberg for turning me on to their book about her mother-in-law’s adventures during World War II. And amazing adventures they were. Even those of us who are avid readers of 20th Century history will find much to surprise us. It is a fascinating story of her role as a secret envoy from Roosevelt to meet with Stalin in Moscow to advise him of the development of the atomic bomb. The juxtaposition of the hand written journal of Beatrice Rapoport with printed version and explanatory notes gives the book an immediacy not often found in history books.
You know that game where you name four historical figures you’d most like to dine with? Well, Beatrice is definitely on my list. What a compelling conversation that would be.
And the book “Journal of an American Away From Home” should be on your list.
Melinda Ratliff –
Very interesting read about Beatrice Rapoport’s time during world war 2. Such an intriguing life she led!
Joanna Tequida –
What an interesting and refreshing perspective Beatrice Rapoport brings as she tells of her time spent as a secret envoy for the US during world war two. Such a courageous woman for a time when women were expected to be home fixing dinner for their families! An enjoyable read.