BOOK REVIEW: Under the Cover of Light

Under the Cover of Light, by Carole Engle Avriett, is not an easy book to read. I knew that when I picked it up. However, it is an important book to read. In this age of societal entitlement and complaining, USAF COL Thomas "Jerry" Curtis tells his story of 7 1/2 years' imprisonment in Hanoi as a prisoner of war...an imprisonment that he endured, not unwaveringly, but by clinging to God and to his love for the United States of America.

Captured while rescuing a pilot who had been shot down in North Vietnam, Curtis experienced starvation, illness, injury, weather extremes, and torture. He also fought his way through loneliness, boredom, and fear. He did all of this honorably, paying a cost he knew beforehand was possible when he elected to serve in the armed forces.

Curtis takes on his memories in a way that puts the reader in his cell with him, yet without the horrific details that would cause the weak at heart to put the book down and walk away. And throughout the story's retelling we see, day after day, month after month, year after year, his ability to keep focused on the God he knows to be true, constant, and faithful. He and his fellow POWs hold church services, recite Scripture to each other, and even take "communion," all of which help them hold onto hope.

I think my favorite part of the book was the pride Curtis felt in, after all those years of desperation, falling into formation with the rest of the freed POWs, coming to attention for the first time in many years, and saluting their de facto POW commander, he of the most senior rank among them. Although they had all suffered, they also all retained their respect for the country they served.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for a fair review. For more on the author, go here.