This is an interesting tale about a young American who is taken prisoner in the Vietnam War and what happens to him. However, I would recommend not reading the introduction as it goes into such detail, its hardly worth reading the book as all has been revealed.

There is the usual American pomp surrounding military personnel (and the idea that anyone survives a conflict is somehow a 'hero', without actually doing anything heroic. I was also rather hoping some of the servicemen who promptly chose to take the chance to come home (with accompanying propoganda) were not apparently held to account at all.

Doug Hegdahl was an unusual and resilient young man, who survived his imprisonment and made the best of it, bringing home information to help the families of other men still in prison. He was an example to many (if incredibly unlucky in how he became captured). It sounded as though the rest of his life was sadly affected by his experiences.

The story is well researched, with interviews with survivors. The early part was rather disjointed, but overall the story is told well. Thank you to NetGalley, Globe Pequot and Stackpole Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book tells the story of an apprentice seaman, Doug Hegdahl , who fell off a warship whilst in combat operations in Vietnam, who was picked up by North Vietnamese fisherman and then taken to the prisoner of war camp near Hanoi. The story includes Doug's early life, his short career in the US Navy and includes his experience as a prisoner of war and finally his release and campaigning efforts.
The author also covers other prisoners of war who were held in the notorious Hanoi Hilton and gives a insight into the ordeals of the men who were captive there.

This was a fantastically written book! I thought the story of the Vietnam War prisoner experience was captivating and held my attention to the end. I thought the book was well written and will be a fantastic addition to the bookshelves of any history buff. I will certainly be recommending this book to my audience and I will purchase a copy for myself as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to read it early.

This was a great book. I have heard of Mr. Hegdahl prior to reading this book, but could never find much about him. In my book he is a hero and deserves that title.

This was a really well done memoir, it was engaging and thought the overall feel worked overall. You could tell the research was done well and appreciated getting to hear the personal experiences of war. Marc Leepson does a strong job in writing this.