- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: Authors Online Ltd (8 Aug 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0755201396
- ISBN-13: 978-0755201396
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,735,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Journalist Nick Hillyer is asked to write about a friend found in a ditch in the philippines with the back of his head blown off. There is much at stake. The deceased was a hero of unprecedented magnitude and his fall from grace was epochal. Desperate for work and wracked by guilt, Nick knows that by accepting the assignment he will be forced to reassess his behind-the-scenes involvement in a story that shook the globe and altered the lives of millions. Thrust back into a kaleidoscope of horror that continues to snowball out of all proportion, he will re-enter a world where violence, apathy and terror are seen as the only salvation. Why do people do terrible things? Where do the boundaries of deceit and desperation lie? The answers are rooted in the beliefs that hold us captive.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
At a time when many news mediums seem to do little more than recycle government spin proclamations, Days Captive, in its own unique way, makes a strong case for a return to timely investigative journalism (i.e.: Telling vs. Showing). The story, a truly gripping one dealing with terrorism, is presented mainly through flashback (a journalist relays the saga of a friend, now dead, who was once deemed a hero by thwarting a major terrorist attack). The book's substance lies in its portrayal of the power of apathy -- as well as its depiction of humanity's seemingly innate distaste for problem prevention. But it really packs a punch when it shows, through vivid characterization, how the basic human traits that lie within us all can aid or bring about terrible acts of brutality.
All in all, a great novel for a disturbed and disturbing decade.
All in all, a great novel for a disturbed and disturbing decade.
It's been said that quality novels fit into three categories: 1) good novels, 2) very good novels, and 3) great novels. A good novel is defined as one that teaches you something. A very good novel both teaches you something and is highly entertaining at the same time. But a great novel does all these things while changing the way you think. In this regard, Days Captive is a great novel.
Written by an American who has spent more than fifteen years in foreign countries, Days Captive is told through the first person narration of a British jourmalist. In doing so it gives an eye-opening view of how others see America and Americans without resorting to tabloid or trailer park extremes. '...It's a dilemma the rest of us face every time we meet people from the United States,' says the lead character, 'the world is ultimately a better place because of them, but as a country, America will do what it wants to do, regardless.' Thoughtful prose like this is the hallmark of this book, but its real strength lies in the way it shows how the human traits that lie within us all contribute to the concept of terrorism --- without diminishing or ignoring its evil or blaming the West for everything. That's a difficult line to tread yet the author does so beautifully, mixing realism, absurdity and page-turning action into a breathtakingly heady concoction. Equally, through a series of 'articles' and 'op-ed' pieces interspaced at select places in the story, the history of terrorism, its psychology, a look at the world's most notorious terrorist groups and other vital bits of information are artfully presented in a thought-provoking manner.
In summation, this book is for anyone who is NOT interested in sticking his or her head in the sand when it comes to the subject of terror. You may not agree with everything it says, but its point is that the only way we're ever going to eliminate this killer disease is by getting involved, identifying its causes and working toward preventing them rather than spending obscene amounts of money and too many lives treating its symptoms. That's a difficult moral to argue with.
Written by an American who has spent more than fifteen years in foreign countries, Days Captive is told through the first person narration of a British jourmalist. In doing so it gives an eye-opening view of how others see America and Americans without resorting to tabloid or trailer park extremes. '...It's a dilemma the rest of us face every time we meet people from the United States,' says the lead character, 'the world is ultimately a better place because of them, but as a country, America will do what it wants to do, regardless.' Thoughtful prose like this is the hallmark of this book, but its real strength lies in the way it shows how the human traits that lie within us all contribute to the concept of terrorism --- without diminishing or ignoring its evil or blaming the West for everything. That's a difficult line to tread yet the author does so beautifully, mixing realism, absurdity and page-turning action into a breathtakingly heady concoction. Equally, through a series of 'articles' and 'op-ed' pieces interspaced at select places in the story, the history of terrorism, its psychology, a look at the world's most notorious terrorist groups and other vital bits of information are artfully presented in a thought-provoking manner.
In summation, this book is for anyone who is NOT interested in sticking his or her head in the sand when it comes to the subject of terror. You may not agree with everything it says, but its point is that the only way we're ever going to eliminate this killer disease is by getting involved, identifying its causes and working toward preventing them rather than spending obscene amounts of money and too many lives treating its symptoms. That's a difficult moral to argue with.
Ironically, although the text of this book can be slightly graphic in places, its power lies in its subtlety. For example, all the traits seen in the story's protagonist, when amplified, are those seen in terrorists - which is both eye-opening and disturbing. Yet incredibly, the book never sinks into negativity or cynicism. That in itself is quite an accomplishment and praise is due to the author for successfully pulling it off. Nor does the story fall into the trap of singling out certain terrorist groups. A terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist suggests Mr. Scott, and rightly so.
Quite simply, this book could not have come at a better time. The only question is, will anyone listen? Or will we (including terrorists) remain 'captive' to inane political beliefs, perverted religious practices, self-defeating wekanesses and/or doomed nationalistic policies?
There is certainly lot here to talk about.
Quite simply, this book could not have come at a better time. The only question is, will anyone listen? Or will we (including terrorists) remain 'captive' to inane political beliefs, perverted religious practices, self-defeating wekanesses and/or doomed nationalistic policies?
There is certainly lot here to talk about.
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