Review: Where is this author coming from????.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 13, 2013
It's all here; the bravery of the combatants on both sides during the Malaya conflict and the trials and tribulations of the Allied POW's in the Japanese death camps. The author delivers his account of the terrible treatment of the prisoners by the Japanese guards in a strangely dispassionate and non-judgemental manner. All the prisoners were subject to some of the most brutal, cynical, barbaric treatment it is possible to deal to fellow human beings.The nature of the Japanese soldier, with his Bushido Code and consequent loathing of any soldier who would deign to surrender, resulted in a savage, unbelievably cruel punishment of men that is almost unequalled in the annals of warfare and prison camp history. Yet the author seems to easily forgive the Japanese perpetrators of these gross injustices and shows a quality of mercy that is quite simply beyond my comprehension. These creatures constantly tortured, beat and murdered the author's comrades with a gusto and relish that defies description, but there is a complete lack of rancour in this book. Indeed, Harrison confesses to admiration of these animals.I guess I am not so fine and forgiving a person. Whilst I might find it in my heart to forgive the passivity of the Japanese people and try to understand why these soldiers did what they did; blaming their fanatical martial upbringing and brain-washing of the Bushido Code, I will never admire them. I have read the book and listened to the author's explanations; I just don't get it though.However, it is a straightforward, clear and concise account of how to survive the captivity, punishment and torture that was the POW's lot in those times. I do recommend this book.