The Special Prisoner: A Novel - Rilegato

Lehrer, Jim

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0375503714 ISBN 13: 9780375503719

Casa editrice: Random House Inc, 2000

Riassunto

The Special Prisoner takes it title from the designation the Japanese government gave U.S. airmen held prisoner during World War II - an indication of the severity with which these foreign devils responsible for bombing Japanese cities were to be treated. John Quincy Watson was a skilled young pilot flying B-29s over Japan when he was shot down and taken prisoner in 1945. Fifty years later, now a prominent religious figure nearing retirement, Bishop Watson believes he has long since overcome the excruciating memories of his months as a POW. But a chance sighting of the now equally elderly Japanese officer who repeatedly tortured him instantly transports the Bishop back to that unendurable time, and he finds himself overwhelmed by an uncontrollable desire for vengeance. The result for Watson is both a vivid return to the horrors of his past and the triggering of a new series of events that are also horrific - and tragic.
The Special Prisoner delves into the complicated issue of war guilt and forgiveness, starkly portrayed in the characters of an officer from a country that refuses to admit any wrongdoing and a clergyman who is committed to a belief that to forgive is divine.

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Recensione

Advance praise for The Special Prisoner

"This account of an American prisoner of war in
Japanese hands rings with truth. Lehrer, himself a Marine,
has captured the reality of what it was like. The brutality, the sadism, the horror, and, above all else, the triumph of will that got
the prisoners through the experience are all here. Lehrer's book is honest, factual, and a tribute to the men who endured and
prevailed over the worst existence imaginable."
--Stephen E. Ambrose

"Riveting...I couldn't put this book down! The Special Prisoner delves into the full complexity of human evil and revenge."
--Iris Chang, author of The Rape of Nanking

"Gripping...a harrowing novel of redemption and revenge."
--Library Journal

L'autore

Jim Lehrer is the anchor and executive editor of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS and the author of numerous novels, nonfiction books, and plays. He was a 1999 recipient of a National Humanities Medal for his journalism and writing. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Random House Inc
• Data di pubblicazione: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0375503714
• ISBN 13: 9780375503719
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero edizione: 1
• Numero di pagine: 227