The XmlAdapter provides the two step mapping you are looking for. If you look at the example linked below Map is the object that is not a Java Bean. What the XmlAdapter does is convert it to a Java Bean that can be mapped.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.