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I read this book in November and it is one that certainly stays with you. I found myself thinking about it frequently for days after finishing. You have to be in the right frame of mind to want to read it though as it is very graphic and disturbing in its descriptions of war time violence.

The book centers around Dorringo Evans prior, during and after his experience as a prisoner-of-war during WWII in Japan who lived in a camp responsible for building the Thai-Burma Railway. Dorringo becomes a war hero of sorts by the simple fact that he survives and initially provides statements to the media.

What makes this book compelling is the characterizations of his fellow POWs. When events happen in the novel, the reader has personal feelings for some of the victims and this adds to our discomfort. The author also describes the inherent Japanese culture which serves as the impetus for the treatment. In the final chapters of the book, both Dorringo and his former captors wrestle with their conscience for past wartime atrocities - some voluntarily and others by circumstances that force realizations. Very well done.

Dorringo enters into an affair shortly before the war and considers this woman to be the "love of his life." This subplot is carried through the book until the final chapters provide a conclusion as well.

I am an avid reader, but there are some scenes in this book that will stay with me forever. Truly memorable. But, extremely gritty and graphic.

Here is a link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...