The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years As a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese [Paperback]

Robinson Risner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 13, 1989

This is one of the most memorable books to come out of the Vietnam War in which General Robbie Risner describes with moving candor the years of pain and deprivation he endured as as a POW in Vietnam. His is the real story of what went on in the prison camps of North Vietnam.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Powerful...a tribute to Risner's patriotism and intuitive religious faith that he survived at all. -- Publishers Weekly

Reading this book will be a tremendous uplifting experience...This is a book of hope. -- Richmond News Leader

Touchingly, deeply impressive first-person story. -- Newsweek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

General Robinson Risner was a fighter pilot in Korea and Vietnam. After his release he served as Vice Commander of the Fighter Weapons Center at Nellis Air Force Base. The Air Force Academy awards the Risner Trophy, given in his honor. to the outstanding fighter pilot of the United States Air Force. He currently resides in Texas with his wife Dorothy. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (April 13, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345336771
• ISBN-13: 978-0345336774
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving and inspirational. Renew your confidence in America!, June 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years As a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese (Paperback)

This book is an enigma. Risner's style is not polished. He doesn't overwhelm with vocabulary or imagery. Rather, his friendly, relaxed, matter-of-fact manner invites you into Hanoi Hilton, into his cell, where you join him for 7 1/2 years of isolation, misery, agony, and pain. With simple, frank text, the author introduces the reader to the life of the POW with startling clarity. You will not soon forget the images found in this writing. It is clear why the Chief of Staff of the Air Force has included this book on the recommended reading list for USAF professionals. General Risner is a true American hero. His example of courage, intelligence, devotion, and honesty should be followed by us all. To read this book is to glimpse, if only for a few hours, the horror of Vietnamese prison life. General Risner reminds us about having faith in God, confidence in ourselves, and pride in our country.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped shape my life. !, September 22, 1999

By 

Linda Alonzo (Great Lakes, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years As a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese (Paperback)

My high school English teacher read parts of this book to us in class. I graduated 20 years ago. I've only found one copy and gave it to my brother. This book has greatly influenced my brother and I. I am sure it played a part in both of us choosing to become members of the Air Force. And it filled in details about a war that I can only vaguely remember but has shaped my life. I agree that it should be rereleased. Thank you General for your story and thank you Ms Roach (of Dale High School, Dale, OK.) for introducing us to this story! Read this if you get a chance. I've thought of it often in the past 20+ years!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A testament of hope........, April 3, 2003

By 

Kyle Tolle (Phoenix, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years As a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese (Paperback)

To describe courage and bravery, strength and resilience, pride and professionalism, it only takes two words....Robinson Risner. In an ordeal that began in 1965 and lasted for a monumental seven and a half years, he was incarcerated in the Hanoi Hilton and Zoo prison compounds in North Vietnam after he was shot down.

Subjected to unspeakable tortures and barbaric conditions, Robinson Risner literally descended into a pit of hell from which he was eventually delivered out of by his relentless perseverance and his faith in God.

After reading The Passing of the Night, it reinforced my pride in America, our military, and the extraordinary stature of our convictions and beliefs in the most desperate of times.

Robison Risner's book is heartfelt, down to earth, and very moving in its portrayal and leaves a resounding message for everyone. No matter how difficult things may be in life, never lose faith in yourself and always know God will never give you more than you can handle.

This book comes highly recommended to anyone and everyone.