Under the Cover of Light: The Extraordinary Story of USAF Col Thomas Jerry Curtis's 7 1/2 -Year, Hardcover Captivity in North Vietnam

Under the Cover of Light: The Extraordinary Story of USAF COL Thomas "Jerry" Curtis's 7 1/2-Year Captivity in North Vietnam by Carole Engle Avriett is a riveting true story of courage, determination and faith. When his helicopter was shot down over North Vietnam, Curtis endured it all - torture, both physical and psychological, extreme temperatures, solitary confinement, and things the average person could not even imagine. And yet, he wasn't broken thanks for his, and fellow soldiers', continuing faith and hope. The men found ingenious ways to communicate with one another despite being separated and they were able to encourage each other with memorized scriptures, stories and jokes.

While I don't normally read war stories, as it's just not my true interest... I was so intrigued by this man's story. It is amazing what a human can endure when their hope lies beyond this earth. Curtis shares so many amazing stories of how these men clung to life and faith and overcame the wretched conditions and treatment. I am truly amazed at their system of communicating through walls, and that they were able to continue teaching this approach to new inmates as they arrived. They encouraged each other, warned each other and were able to keep their wits simply knowing they were not truly alone. Brave, strong, faithful men survived this horrible situation year after year ( 7 1/2 for Curtis!) and were able to come home eventually. It is truly remarkable!

I was given a free copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

In 1965 Tom Curtis' became a POW when his rescue helicopter was shot down in North Vietnam. For 2,703 days (7 1/2 years), Curtis endured intense emotional and physical torture, hunger and deprivation, and inability to communicate with his family. In circumstances that would break the strongest of men, Curtis' relationship with God gave him hope and the ability to endure.

Numerous aspects of human ingenuity and survival instinct impressed me in this book. The way the POWs learned to communicate even when in solitary confinement using a tap code. The "university" they developed, sharing their skills and knowledge with each other. Most of all, I was impressed that the thing these men wished for most was a Bible, and how they shared verses from their memories to encourage each other, prayed for each other, and even shared communion through their cell walls. As Curtis learned and clearly testifies, when all else is stripped away, there is a "Light that darkness cannot overcome" that gives hope to the soul, and nothing can separate us from the love of God.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.