The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years as a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese

by Robinson Risner

Book Overview

The Four Holy Gospels?is an exquisitely designed and produced edition of the four canonical Gospels in the English Standard Version, published in commemoration of the 400th?anniversary of the King James Version (KJV) Bible in 1611.? The Four Holy Gospels?features newly commissioned original paintings representing the four Gospel Evangelists, illuminated initial letters, and other embellishments and design elements, printed in full color throughout...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345336771
• ISBN13: 9780345336774
• Release Date: April 1989
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

war of survival, ideas, pride

This is probably one of the most important books I've ever read. General Risner employs no verbal tricks in his account of his life as a POW in the Vietnam War; he simply states fact for fact. The visual images of torture are so gripping that despite the 114 pages of this book, it took me days before I turned the last page. And, when I had finally finished, my thoughts and actions were truly changed; I saw whole new levels to the war of ideas, of partisan politics. One passage that struck me in this book, and that I read over and over again, was how one of the factors of surivival for Risner was his belief that the American people were behind him. Ultimately, this book has given me courage that I didn't know I had inside me. This is a painful, extraordinary book.

A testament of hope........

To describe courage and bravery, strength and resilience, pride and professionalism, it only takes two words....Robinson Risner. In an ordeal that began in 1965 and lasted for a monumental seven and a half years, he was incarcerated in the Hanoi Hilton and Zoo prison compounds in North Vietnam after he was shot down.Subjected to unspeakable tortures and barbaric conditions, Robinson Risner literally descended into a pit of hell from which he was eventually delivered out of by his relentless perseverance and his faith in God. After reading The Passing of the Night, it reinforced my pride in America, our military, and the extraordinary stature of our convictions and beliefs in the most desperate of times.Robison Risner's book is heartfelt, down to earth, and very moving in its portrayal and leaves a resounding message for everyone. No matter how difficult things may be in life, never lose faith in yourself and always know God will never give you more than you can handle.This book comes highly recommended to anyone and everyone.

Moving and Inspirational

This book is so moving I don't feel I can do it justice in a short review. I have never been so affected by one person's story, it makes me catch my breath just thinking about it. I too have had the pleasure of meeting Gen Risner. He is a very kind and easy-going person. His account of his 7 ½ years as a POW in Hanoi Hilton is very inspirational. He tells his story so vividly that it made me cry several times. I agree it not only should be re-released, but mandatory reading for all high school/college students. I am a member of the Air Force and I tell everyone I know they need to get this book! It will change your outlook on life!

This book helped shape my life. !

My high school English teacher read parts of this book to us in class. I graduated 20 years ago. I've only found one copy and gave it to my brother. This book has greatly influenced my brother and I. I am sure it played a part in both of us choosing to become members of the Air Force. And it filled in details about a war that I can only vaguely remember but has shaped my life. I agree that it should be rereleased. Thank you General for your story and thank you Ms Roach (of Dale High School, Dale, OK.) for introducing us to this story! Read this if you get a chance. I've thought of it often in the past 20+ years!

Moving and inspirational. Renew your confidence in America!

This book is an enigma. Risner's style is not polished. He doesn't overwhelm with vocabulary or imagery. Rather, his friendly, relaxed, matter-of-fact manner invites you into Hanoi Hilton, into his cell, where you join him for 7 1/2 years of isolation, misery, agony, and pain. With simple, frank text, the author introduces the reader to the life of the POW with startling clarity. You will not soon forget the images found in this writing. It is clear why the Chief of Staff of the Air Force has included this book on the recommended reading list for USAF professionals. General Risner is a true American hero. His example of courage, intelligence, devotion, and honesty should be followed by us all. To read this book is to glimpse, if only for a few hours, the horror of Vietnamese prison life. General Risner reminds us about having faith in God, confidence in ourselves, and pride in our country.