My Life as a Hostage: The Nightmare in Beirut

by David Jacobsen, Gerald Astor

The author recounts his seventeen-month ordeal as a hostage in Lebanon and discusses his release in exchange for weapons and the failure of America's anti-terrorism and hostage-rescue policies

Genres: Memoir

Paperback

First published August 1, 1991

About the author

David P. Jacobsen was employed as director of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, when he was kidnapped and held hostage along with other US nationals in Lebanon during the country's protracted civil war.

Reviews

[Pam Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Jacobsen clearly laid out his ordeal as a hostage in Lebanon which was fascinating to read. It was gut wrenching learning the abominable treatment he endured but also encouraging to hear him talk about his deep faith that got him through. My husband is reading it now and finds it very interesting too.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author's experience as a hostage in Lebanon during the 80's. Interesting first-person account of being subjected to abduction by Hizbollah under the larger auspices of Iran. I wasn't aware of the specifics behind the hostage crisis, include Iran Contra for Arms, so this was an enlightening book. A subject matter untaught by my own educational system growing up.