MWSA Book Review

They Came Home: Korean War POWs Tell Their Stories

Authors: Pat McGrath Avery

Publisher:  Branson Creek Press

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

Korean WAR POWs – The Experiences of Three Men

Author Pat McGrath Avery chronicles the experiences of three POWs during the Korean War. She examines what happened to them and how they were treated both by the enemy and by our own country upon their return to freedom. In her book “They Came Home: Korean War POWs Tell Their Stories,” she gives readers a compelling accounting of what their ordeal was like. It is a tale of suffering, courage, faith, hope and great despair. She introduces us to three men who survived the most hellish conditions of prisoner of war camps and the savage treatment at the hands of the North Koreans. There is just no way to read this book and not recognize these men as true heroes.

The stories were taken from interviews and some old letters; but the author adds another element to the story telling with her compassionate writing skills. It is obvious that the author connected with these men and their personal stories. The book is definitely a page turner. It is also a heart wrenching tale that paints a portrait of a brutal war and of an enemy without mercy or love. Most people under 50 years of age know absolutely nothing about this “forgotten war” or the men who fought there, died there or who were captured. These men and their families had their lives forever altered and changed. The good news is that in spite of all that happened to these three Americans there is still strong faith in both God and country.

The book is broken down into three sections – one for each man’s story. Chapters One and Two give a brief recap of history and what happened in that time and place. This book saves for future generations a little time capsule of that period of world and national history. It is a look back but also a look at the human elements of all wars. It is a well written short book that can be read easily in one sitting. (132 pages)

The three men that Avery writes about will move you emotionally. You will not forget their tales nor their sacrifices. These stories will stay with you as you thank God that this country has produced such willing and able bodied soldiers. We asked much of these men and they gave everything they could. When they returned back to this country, we did not even allow them enough time to emotionally and spiritually heal. We just threw them back out into society to fend for themselves without regards to how much they had been through, how much they had  changed. Thus, the book is also a sad indictment of how we as a nation, have treated returning veterans.

This book is well worth the read and your time. I believe that the book transcends just those who like to read about war or history and will appeal to those who like to learn about real people enduring the worse of conditions and surviving.

I personally recommend this book.