HELLFIRE - The Story of Australia, Japan and the Prisoners of War

by Cameron Forbes

The most critically acclaimed account of Australian Prisoners of War of the Japanese ever published.

Genres: History, War, Nonfiction, World War II, Military History, Australia

559 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great account of the story of Australian POW's held by the Japanese during WW2. If you want to know of the terrible conditions and the maltreatment of our men by the Japanese then you must read this book. Apparently one of the most critically acclaimed accounts of Australian prisoners of war held by the Japanese, this book is full of sharp insights that bring brilliantly to life, disturbing and unforgettable vignettes of what the men had to do to survive those atrocious years.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read books dealing with the harsh treatment of POWs by the Japanese during WWII because the few pictures I’ve seen of emaciated prisoners in the jungles of South East Asia is another one of those that are deeply confronting and upsetting. That said I found myself unable to put this down as the experiences of the men and women held prisoner by a fanatical enemy were recounted. Many would not survive, but for those who did the questions of why they survived when so many of their mates didn’t. That Japan today still do not acknowledge the atrocities committed and their refusal to teach the present generation is going to be a contentious topic which is why this book should remain in the public consciousness especially since as there are so few of the survivors remaining.

[Emilyjmj · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t get this in the UK so bought it from Aus. I couldn’t wait to start when it arrived. It is called Hellfire with a picture of POWS on the cover; however I am halfway through and we haven’t even got to the railway yet. There’s so much political and historical back story, a blow by blow of Singapore which I’ve already read about, it’s just frustratingly slow at getting to the point. It’s a hard slog and I’m having to force myself to continue reading. Disappointed.

[Dulcie · Rating 1 out of 5]

It requires a unique skill to take an abundance of high quality primary source material and turn out something as infantile and meandering as this turgid mess.
Racist and sexist, it is no surprise that a Newscorp flunkey is masquerading as a historian, what disappoints is that I fell for it.
Surprisingly it hasn't been typeset in crayon given the childish level of analysis.

[Cmichaels620 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually listened to this one from Audible. Well worth the listen!

[CavyNomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long but worthwhile read.
This has less to do with the particulars of hellfire pass, and more to do with the Australian POWs in Asia, per the books subtitle.