What do you think?
Rate this book
Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War
The remarkable true story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, John Downey, Jr., a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years.
John (Jack) Downey, Jr., was a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II years who, like other Yale grads, was recruited by the young CIA. He joined the Agency and was sent to Japan in 1952, during the Korean War. In a violation of protocol, he took part in an air drop that failed and was captured over China. His sources on the ground had been compromised, and his identity was known. Although he first tried to deny who he was, he eventually admitted the truth.
But government policy forbade ever acknowledging the identity of spies, no matter the consequences. Washington invented a fictitious cover story and stood by it through four Administrations. As a result, Downey was imprisoned during the decades that Red China, as it was called, was considered by the US to be a hostile nation, until 1973, when the US finally recognized the mainland Chinese government. He had spent twenty-one years in captivity.
Downey would go on to become a lawyer and an esteemed judge in Connecticut, his home state. Prisoners of Lies is based in part on a prison memoir that Downey wrote several years after his release. Barry Werth fluently weaves excerpts from the memoir with the Cold War events that determined Downey’s fate. Like a le Carré novel, this is a harrowing, chilling story of one man whose life is at the mercy of larger forces outside of his control; in Downey’s case as a pawn of the Cold War, and more specifically the Oval Office and the State Department. His freedom came only when US foreign policy dramatically changed. Above all, Prisoner of Lies is an inspiring story of remarkable fortitude and resilience.
John (Jack) Downey, Jr., was a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II years who, like other Yale grads, was recruited by the young CIA. He joined the Agency and was sent to Japan in 1952, during the Korean War. In a violation of protocol, he took part in an air drop that failed and was captured over China. His sources on the ground had been compromised, and his identity was known. Although he first tried to deny who he was, he eventually admitted the truth.
But government policy forbade ever acknowledging the identity of spies, no matter the consequences. Washington invented a fictitious cover story and stood by it through four Administrations. As a result, Downey was imprisoned during the decades that Red China, as it was called, was considered by the US to be a hostile nation, until 1973, when the US finally recognized the mainland Chinese government. He had spent twenty-one years in captivity.
Downey would go on to become a lawyer and an esteemed judge in Connecticut, his home state. Prisoners of Lies is based in part on a prison memoir that Downey wrote several years after his release. Barry Werth fluently weaves excerpts from the memoir with the Cold War events that determined Downey’s fate. Like a le Carré novel, this is a harrowing, chilling story of one man whose life is at the mercy of larger forces outside of his control; in Downey’s case as a pawn of the Cold War, and more specifically the Oval Office and the State Department. His freedom came only when US foreign policy dramatically changed. Above all, Prisoner of Lies is an inspiring story of remarkable fortitude and resilience.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
18 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 31, 2024
“Prisoner of Lies” tells the real-life story of CIA officer John Downey, Jr.’s decades-long imprisonment in mainland China. It is an excellent choice for readers interested in late-20th-century American History, U.S.–China relations, The CIA, and/or what it was like serving a life sentence in communist China having been convicted of espionage.
Author Barry Werth begins the tale by introducing us to Jack Downey, a middle-class kid from Wallingford, Connecticut whose life and family were turned upside down due to the sudden death of his hard-working and successful father. Nevertheless, Jack manages to work his way through, and earn everyone’s respect and admiration at, Choate and then Yale, where during his final semester he is recruited by the CIA.
The year is 1952. The Korean War rages. Harry Truman is nearing the end of his presidency. The CIA sends Jack to Japan as part of a program to support anti-Communists inside communist China. During a flight into the mainland to retrieve an agency operative, Jack’s plane is shot down and he is captured by the Chinese. Thus begins his 21-year ordeal. At first, and for months, he resists Chinese interrogation efforts to give the agency time to bring endangered assets to safety. When he finally does confess, he is tried, convicted, and sentenced to life.
Mr. Werth recounts the story of Downey’s incarceration through five American presidencies. Not only does he describe Downey’s day-to-day existence, and how he coped with prison, he also details the efforts undertaken by the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations to secure Downey’s release, as well as how a wide variety of global events affected those efforts. For example, Werth covers American attitudes and policies toward Communism, relations between Stalin’s and Mao’s governments, Stalin’s death and Khrushchev’s ascension, China’s “Long March” and “Cultural Revolution,” the Korean and Viet Nam wars, the Cuban crises, the Kennedy assassination, the “Pueblo Incident,” and CIA’s internal policies, politics, and transformations, just to mention a few.
The final third of the book covers Downey’s release and return to the United States and the career and life he was finally able to build for himself after two decades of denial—a life that included marriage and children, law school and practice, politics, public service, and a judgeship. It continues to examine Downey’s life against the backdrop of events within and outside the United States and even contrasts Jack’s life with the life of Jack’s first cousin, one of the first practitioners of so-called “Trash-TV,” Morton Downey, Jr.
One caveat: Politically, Mr. Werth seems more in tune with Democrats/Progressives than he does with Republicans/Conservatives. He doesn’t seem extreme in his beliefs. He doesn’t hector from a soap box. And he’s pretty balanced in terms of pointing out the failings of both Republican and Democrat administrations. So, while I found some of his political positions noticeable, I wasn’t bothered by them. Others may feel differently.
In sum, Mr. Werth has given us a well-researched, well-written examination of a very good man required to endure a very trying time far from family, friends, and home, only to return to lead a quiet yet effective life of service. Kudos to Mr. Werth, and most especially to John Downey, Jr., for an inspiring tale very well told.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Barry Werth, and publisher Simon and Schuster for providing me with a complimentary ARC. This review consists solely of my independent opinions.
Author Barry Werth begins the tale by introducing us to Jack Downey, a middle-class kid from Wallingford, Connecticut whose life and family were turned upside down due to the sudden death of his hard-working and successful father. Nevertheless, Jack manages to work his way through, and earn everyone’s respect and admiration at, Choate and then Yale, where during his final semester he is recruited by the CIA.
The year is 1952. The Korean War rages. Harry Truman is nearing the end of his presidency. The CIA sends Jack to Japan as part of a program to support anti-Communists inside communist China. During a flight into the mainland to retrieve an agency operative, Jack’s plane is shot down and he is captured by the Chinese. Thus begins his 21-year ordeal. At first, and for months, he resists Chinese interrogation efforts to give the agency time to bring endangered assets to safety. When he finally does confess, he is tried, convicted, and sentenced to life.
Mr. Werth recounts the story of Downey’s incarceration through five American presidencies. Not only does he describe Downey’s day-to-day existence, and how he coped with prison, he also details the efforts undertaken by the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations to secure Downey’s release, as well as how a wide variety of global events affected those efforts. For example, Werth covers American attitudes and policies toward Communism, relations between Stalin’s and Mao’s governments, Stalin’s death and Khrushchev’s ascension, China’s “Long March” and “Cultural Revolution,” the Korean and Viet Nam wars, the Cuban crises, the Kennedy assassination, the “Pueblo Incident,” and CIA’s internal policies, politics, and transformations, just to mention a few.
The final third of the book covers Downey’s release and return to the United States and the career and life he was finally able to build for himself after two decades of denial—a life that included marriage and children, law school and practice, politics, public service, and a judgeship. It continues to examine Downey’s life against the backdrop of events within and outside the United States and even contrasts Jack’s life with the life of Jack’s first cousin, one of the first practitioners of so-called “Trash-TV,” Morton Downey, Jr.
One caveat: Politically, Mr. Werth seems more in tune with Democrats/Progressives than he does with Republicans/Conservatives. He doesn’t seem extreme in his beliefs. He doesn’t hector from a soap box. And he’s pretty balanced in terms of pointing out the failings of both Republican and Democrat administrations. So, while I found some of his political positions noticeable, I wasn’t bothered by them. Others may feel differently.
In sum, Mr. Werth has given us a well-researched, well-written examination of a very good man required to endure a very trying time far from family, friends, and home, only to return to lead a quiet yet effective life of service. Kudos to Mr. Werth, and most especially to John Downey, Jr., for an inspiring tale very well told.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Barry Werth, and publisher Simon and Schuster for providing me with a complimentary ARC. This review consists solely of my independent opinions.
July 16, 2024
I was initially interested in this book because I do enjoy historical biographies and love a good story of survival. This book details the life of John "Jack" Downey, America's longest held POW. I went in expecting a biography and while you do get a great deal of information about John, I would say this is more of a history of the Cold War that incorporates Downey's story. I thoroughly enjoyed the parts with regards to Downey's life, but I found the historical background incredibly tedious at times. That said, if you are a fan of history and are looking to learn about the Cold War, especially with regards to China, then this is a great book for you. Werth obviously did his research, and Downey's story is compelling. However, if you prefer a simple biography, you might want to look elsewhere.
Though I did not necessarily enjoy the lengthy historical background, it was well researched, so I am rounding up to 4 stars as I think those who love history will really enjoy this book.
Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
Though I did not necessarily enjoy the lengthy historical background, it was well researched, so I am rounding up to 4 stars as I think those who love history will really enjoy this book.
Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
January 31, 2025
I basically rate a book by how much I can learn from it, so I gave this book 4 stars. I had never heard of Jack Downey or Richard Fecteau, but now I know what they went through as prisoners in China for decades. They were remarkable men for having come through it and then going on to live very productive, patriotic lives. Saddest of all, though is the description of the lying and deception that has gone on in our country by our politicians, congressmen, Presidents for AT LEAST 80 years. Well written and researched, read it and learn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Barry Werth for allowing me to read this book.
This book covers the life of Jack Downey a Yale graduate and prisoner of war.
The first part covers his life growing up and his background and various family members. It was very detailed and covered not only him growing up but also his ancestors how they arrived in the Northeast of the United States the various industries that they worked in, As with each section of this book it's very detailed. I believe this section is also the first time that it's mentioned that he was also related to the shock radio host Morton Downey junior. This section also includes his time at Yale.
The second part of the book covers his recruitment by the CIA and his ill-fated flight into mainland China and his capture by communist China. At this point the book is very heavy in details of politics perhaps leaning a little towards the democrats but showing both the failures of the democrats and the republicans in efforts to get Jack Downey released. This section literally covers 5 American presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and their administration's efforts to get Downey and other prisoners released. This section literally covers everything that was going on in the world, to the cold war, to the Mao Communist China. This is a section that really bogged down for me there were way too many details way, too many political details, way too much outside information that really had nothing to do with Jack Downey in his situation.
The last part of the book basically covered his release after he was released and what he made of his life from his political aspirations to his judgeship and it even went into a very detailed court case that he oversaw as a family court judge which I thought was odd to pinpoint that specific case. The section also went into Morton Downey junior's life briefly and his rise to the top.
This book for me was way too detailed, way too history focused and it really kind of lost me and to be honest the book is only 400 some pages and I thought it was like a 800 page novel because it just seemed to drag for so long.
I really think some editing could help this book move along a little bit quicker. The topic itself is fascinating and learning about his time as a prisoner was a great part of the book and was very good.
This book covers the life of Jack Downey a Yale graduate and prisoner of war.
The first part covers his life growing up and his background and various family members. It was very detailed and covered not only him growing up but also his ancestors how they arrived in the Northeast of the United States the various industries that they worked in, As with each section of this book it's very detailed. I believe this section is also the first time that it's mentioned that he was also related to the shock radio host Morton Downey junior. This section also includes his time at Yale.
The second part of the book covers his recruitment by the CIA and his ill-fated flight into mainland China and his capture by communist China. At this point the book is very heavy in details of politics perhaps leaning a little towards the democrats but showing both the failures of the democrats and the republicans in efforts to get Jack Downey released. This section literally covers 5 American presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and their administration's efforts to get Downey and other prisoners released. This section literally covers everything that was going on in the world, to the cold war, to the Mao Communist China. This is a section that really bogged down for me there were way too many details way, too many political details, way too much outside information that really had nothing to do with Jack Downey in his situation.
The last part of the book basically covered his release after he was released and what he made of his life from his political aspirations to his judgeship and it even went into a very detailed court case that he oversaw as a family court judge which I thought was odd to pinpoint that specific case. The section also went into Morton Downey junior's life briefly and his rise to the top.
This book for me was way too detailed, way too history focused and it really kind of lost me and to be honest the book is only 400 some pages and I thought it was like a 800 page novel because it just seemed to drag for so long.
I really think some editing could help this book move along a little bit quicker. The topic itself is fascinating and learning about his time as a prisoner was a great part of the book and was very good.
April 2, 2025
I wanted to like this book. What a story of being held as a POW for that long. If this book was simply focused on that I think I would have enjoyed it much more. I just simply struggled to get through this and even pick it up. It was a long book and it had alot of information about that time that I felt just did not need to be in the book. It seemed like it would just go on forever about random political history stuff then all of a sudden jump back in Jack's story. It was just not a book for me as I wanted to just simple learn about Jack and what happened and his life after he came home. Not about politics in the US during that time.
February 16, 2024
To be honest, I did not know about John Downey, Jr. until I read this book. It’s utterly heartbreaking that a young man sacrificed so many years of his wife in order to serve his country. The author did an incredible job for all of us can know the story of John. John was imprisoned for twenty-one years in China. It is time we all know his name and his story. A must-read for anyone wanting to know more about U.S. history.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review of the book received.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review of the book received.
March 1, 2025
This book is advertised as the story of Jack Downey's captivity in China for 20+ years. It is that, but mostly is a great history lesson of US politics in the 1950's and forward. A prime example of how our government has lied to the people for years. I guess I'll have to look at other sources to get the whole story of Jack Downey.
April 21, 2025
I wish the book had more of a focus on Jack Downey instead of having him be the tiny thread that wove together history around the Cold War.
The Prologue and final few chapters were great as they had Jack and his life as the main focus.
The Prologue and final few chapters were great as they had Jack and his life as the main focus.
March 27, 2025
Barry Werth tells the story of Jack Downey. A CIA operative who was on his first mission when everything went sideways and he was captured, only to become the longest held prisoner of war in a time that wasn't in his favor. He was captured by the Chinese, when the US and China had the worst strained relationship. He wasn't captured alone, and yet his 'teammate' was even released years earlier than he was. The more the story unfolded, not just Jack's, but the history of what was going on at the time, the more you realize Jack held his country in great esteem, and his country left him hanging all alone. Eye opening, riveting, and yet he held no hard opinions against the US. What a fascinating story and thank you for telling us all about Jack and his humble opinion of his plight. Definitely highly recommend!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
October 17, 2024
Absolutely fascinating! I grew up in Wallingford, CT. Jack Downey's home town, and went to the Choate School, where Downey excelled. That was what initially drew me to the book, as my father, who also went to Choate, told me about him. Downey's 21 year imprisonment in China is the focus of the book, but it is really an impressive story about the Cold War and American foreign policy, which left Downey to rot. Amazingly, he persevered, survived and returned to a rewarding life. A frightening, but inspiring, story.
November 25, 2025
This book missed the point of the book. The most interesting part of Barry Werth was his life in a Chinese prison and NOT his politics and life after but Barry Werth seemed to think that was made him as interesting as being kept behind bars for 20 plus years.
His politics are positions, while important, are no different than hundreds of other politicians. This is half of the book? This was a much shorter book really. His adjustment to society may have been worthy of another two chapters but not half the book.
This book tanked it in the second half.
His politics are positions, while important, are no different than hundreds of other politicians. This is half of the book? This was a much shorter book really. His adjustment to society may have been worthy of another two chapters but not half the book.
This book tanked it in the second half.
October 24, 2024
Fascinating. My only quibble is that Jack Downey's story often faded into the background of copious period-history detail. The full history of Nixon's opening relations with China was relevant, but details of the decades before and after could have been omitted without diminishing the story. Otherwise, what a life!
did-not-finish
September 9, 2024I think the subject matter is fascinating. It's horrific to think that a man working for the CIA was left a prisoner for 20 years. The execution of the book got tedious for me. I gave up about 50%.
December 26, 2024
Incredible amount of info/research that details what led to his capture and protracted internment, along with his life after being freed
March 29, 2025
This was interesting to see how long some political issues have been around, not super captivating for me though
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews