The Special Prisoner: A Novel - Hardcover

Lehrer, Jim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0375503714 ISBN 13: 9780375503719

Publisher: Random House Inc, 2000

Synopsis

The Special Prisoner takes it title from the designation the Japanese government gave U.S. airmen held prisoner during World War II - an indication of the severity with which these foreign devils responsible for bombing Japanese cities were to be treated. John Quincy Watson was a skilled young pilot flying B-29s over Japan when he was shot down and taken prisoner in 1945. Fifty years later, now a prominent religious figure nearing retirement, Bishop Watson believes he has long since overcome the excruciating memories of his months as a POW. But a chance sighting of the now equally elderly Japanese officer who repeatedly tortured him instantly transports the Bishop back to that unendurable time, and he finds himself overwhelmed by an uncontrollable desire for vengeance. The result for Watson is both a vivid return to the horrors of his past and the triggering of a new series of events that are also horrific - and tragic.
The Special Prisoner delves into the complicated issue of war guilt and forgiveness, starkly portrayed in the characters of an officer from a country that refuses to admit any wrongdoing and a clergyman who is committed to a belief that to forgive is divine.

About this title

Review:

"A tribute to the men who endured and prevailed over the worst existence imaginable." -- Stephen E. Ambrose

"Gripping... a harrowing novel of redemption and revenge." -- Library Journal

"Lehrer...runs through his plot deftly. He springs surprise after surprise on the reader." -- The Los Angeles Times

"Riveting... I couldn't put this book down! The Special Prisoner delves into the full complexity of human evil and revenge." -- Iris Chang, author of The Rape of Nanking

About the Author:

Jim Lehrer is the anchor and executive editor of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on PBS and the author of numerous novels, nonfiction books, and plays. He was a 1999 recipient of a National Humanities Medal for his journalism and writing. He lives in Washington, D.C.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Inc
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0375503714
• ISBN 13: 9780375503719
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 227