The horrors American POWs faced in WW2 are seldom talked about; author Michael P. Spradlin brings them to light in his book “Prisoner Of War.” This is a very interesting book that constantly keeps readers on edge of what might come next.

Written by Michael Spradlin, the novel begins with Henry Forrest who has suffered abuse at the hands of his father ever since the day of his mother’s death. To escape his father Henry enlists in the Marines, but ends up facing far worse than if he had just stayed home. After he gets through basic training, Henry is stationed in the Philippines. When the Japanese finally invade, they fight bravely, but are eventually overrun. They surrender to the Japanese, and then experience the brutalities of what is now known, as the Bataan Death March. At the beginning of the novel Henry lies about his age to get into the marines despite only being fifteen years old. Later down the line, while in a POW camp, Henry experiences camaraderie from a group of Australians who were also captured by the Japanese, and brought to this camp. 

By keeping the reader in suspense, author Michael Spradlin makes the reader continue reading chapter after chapter. Just when one thinks it can’t get any crazier, the action ramps up. Although there are a few slightly unrealistic scenarios, overall it explains the torture people faced in Japanese POW camps. This novel is a good choice to read for those interested in historical fiction and World War II. It received a 4.3 out of 5.0 rating on Goodreads with 530 ratings and 93 reviews. I would rate it a 7.5/10 as I mostly enjoyed it, but there were some issues I found with it.