The Special Prisoner

A Novel

Fiction & Literature, Military, Psychological, Mystery & Suspense, Thrillers
Cover of the book The Special Prisoner by Jim Lehrer, Random House Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jim Lehrer ISBN: 9780375505775
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group Publication: September 19, 2000
Imprint: Random House Language: English
Author: Jim Lehrer
ISBN: 9780375505775
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication: September 19, 2000
Imprint: Random House
Language: English

Following the enormous success of his two bestselling previous novels, White Widow and Purple Dots, Jim Lehrer takes on a new and controversial subject in this ambitious story about an American soldier who, many years after the fact, is forced to relive his harrowing experience in the Second World War.

The Special Prisoner takes its 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 un-controllable 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.

Engaging and emotionally poignant, 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. This is new and controversial territory for Lehrer, and he treats it with passion and respect, while writing in the highly readable, engaging style that is his trademark. This fascinating story of what's fair in war—and what's fair afterward—is a dramatic new novel from the veteran Washington author and newscaster.

BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Jim Lehrer's Tension City.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Following the enormous success of his two bestselling previous novels, White Widow and Purple Dots, Jim Lehrer takes on a new and controversial subject in this ambitious story about an American soldier who, many years after the fact, is forced to relive his harrowing experience in the Second World War.

The Special Prisoner takes its 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 un-controllable 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.

Engaging and emotionally poignant, 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. This is new and controversial territory for Lehrer, and he treats it with passion and respect, while writing in the highly readable, engaging style that is his trademark. This fascinating story of what's fair in war—and what's fair afterward—is a dramatic new novel from the veteran Washington author and newscaster.

BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Jim Lehrer's Tension City.

More books from Random House Publishing Group

Cover of the book A Reckless Desire by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Shadow Divers by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book The Ox-Bow Incident by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book All the Dead Lie Down by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Tatooine Ghost: Star Wars Legends by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Skipping Christmas by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book One More Kiss by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book The GigaLaw Guide to Internet Law by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book The Book of Lost Books by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Pleasing the Pirate by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Please Pass The Guilt by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Dark Horse by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Exploited by Jim Lehrer
Cover of the book Jesus' Little Instruction Book by Jim Lehrer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy