Customer Reviews

Across the Barbed Wire

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Combining the human qualities of character, courage, conviction, faith, leadership, love and strength of soul, you will find it all in this captivating saga.

Written by a true "hot and cold war" warrior, Pocock has "seen or done it all." A totally entertaining read of substance and value. Fascinating, compelling and historically accurate.

Highly recommended for all ages A truly great story!!

As a former member of the 14th Calvary who served in Germany from 65-67, and have personally met the author, I was very suprised to find that not only was this a book I could not put down, but that my family and friends also found it compelling and are recommending this book to their friends. It is fiction, but very plausible, and could vey well have happened. In fact there are many East Germans who did indeed escape from behind the barbed wire. The story has many twists and turns and ends with a Twilight Zone type twist. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this wonderful story of the Cold War. Well done Col. Pocock.

I have never been in the military. That did not, however, keep me from appreciating James Pocock's narrative. In fact, it made me appreciate the suffering and sacrifice of military people. It made more aware of the suffering and pain of those individuals who lived under the oppression of Communist dictatorships.

This is a moving story in everyway. And by the end it is also thrilling. The people seem very real. Yet Ret. Col. Pocock's writing is very straightforward, even plain. For this story that seems to be a virtue.

I actually believed the story really happened. It was almost a biography of a lost period in time. I had to keep reading the disclaimers about the story being fiction. Do yourself a favor, read this book. If plain writing doesn't offend your esthetics, you will love it.

I loved this book on so many levels. As a former student of German, I loved the culture and spirit of Germany conveyed circa the Cold War. As a fan of Grisham, etc., I appreciated the suspense. Finally, as a military officer, I appreciated the nod to American servicemen, albeit a generation ago. ANYONE would love this book. Thanks for writing a book that is both entertaining and historically accurate, MG James Pocock! It was marvelous.

This book grabbed me in about 10 minutes and the lights here burned late for the next two nights. I think any American who has served in the outposts on the Western side of that "barbed wire" will be likewise captured - and his family and friends who knew him when he was there will very much appreciate it.

Two other large groups of readers will be gripped by this story. They are the people in many lands who were tragically separated from relatives and loved ones by the scourge of Communism. And they are all the folks who have given up a child for adoption or have given their hearts to a child whom they have adopted.

I think this story can set the stage for a very fine film.

Spellbinding, realistic and thrilling novel in a believable setting. You will identify with Gisela, John and his wife, Gail, as they become involved in a fascinating search for Dieter, Gisela's son, who was taken by the East German border guards while the most of the family escaped across the barbed wire to freedom in the west. Exciting, thrilling compassionate and oh, so realistic without the use of gore or profanity. A novel for the whole family to read. The Epilogue has an unusual twist --- don't peek. General Pocock will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. Do yourself a favor and read this book. A five star.

I enjoyed the book very much, mostly because it takes place in my home area and all the places Jim mentioned I knew.
Jim also has a very nice style in my opinion.

No question about it, I was predisposed to read this book, because I served in the 14th Cavalry. I expected a veteran of the 14th, maybe any veteran, would find something to like in the book. I expected to feel nostalgia amd pride, to enjoy the action. I didn't expect an exceptionally good read.

Make no mistake about it, Jim Pocock can write. This book has more twists and turns than the road up Pike's Peak, but it never reaches. I found each turn of events not only plausible, but fascinating and entirely real. Don't peek, but do look forward, with anticipation, to the epilogue. It will turn you inside out.

Every veteran of "cold war" border service should have this book. Everyone who loves a story that grabs your attention and causes you to keep reading when you know you should turn out the light, will love it. It has something for the military buff, it is a love story (or two), it is packed full of action, it has great characters that pull you into their lives and it even educates the reader about the "Cold War," without trying to being a history book.

If you don't buy it for yourself, buy it for your wife. I gave it to mine on Thursday, as soon as I had finished reading it. She gave me "that look," but feeling brave, I assured her she would like it. On this Saturday afternoon, two days later, I'm hearing "we can do those things later" I don't want to stop reading now.