Cameron Forbes

Written from the perspective of the ANZAC prisoner of war under the incarceration of the Japanese in the Pacific theatre of war. It starts out with the defence and fall of Singapore as the Japanese army storms down from Malaya to overun the 'fortress'. The focus then shifts to the POW's as they are shipped off to build the Thai-Burma railway under terrible and inhumane conditions. Many are overcome by disease such as cholera, but others are simply worked or beaten to death by the Japanese.

At the completion of the railway, many are shipped off to Japan to work in the factories. Ironically, some never make it and their ships are sunk by Allied submarines, not knowing POW's are aboard.

The book concludes with the Japanese attempting to cover-up their crimes by eliminating any evidence including the POW's.

The book is clearly written and can be very emotive in parts.… (altro)