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The Passing of the Night: My Seven Years As a Prisoner of the North Vietnamese
One of the most memorable books to come out of the Vietnam War. General Risner's plane was shot down in 1965 on a bombing mission over North Vietnam. Interned in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton", Risner was subjected to brutal tortures and privations. The tactics that he used to survive were not those of a superman, but rather those of a man who knew his own limits and had the courage to face up to them.
What emerges is a story of faith in God and country, of heroism and humanity. This is a vital document for anyone seeking to come to grips with the actuality and legacy of this painful conflict.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 17, 2012
I loved this book when I read it as a teenager in the 1980s......not because it was a compelling, heartfelt account of the suffering the author endured at the hands of his captors but because General Risner was to me exactly what he lived out in the Hanoi Hilton - a man of principles willing to stand on his faith in the God of all creation no matter the circumstance. I know him personally from my childhood church and this book is a testimony to who he is, who his God is and who his captors were. A fabulous book for perspective and historical details of the Vietnam war. An inspiration.
January 20, 2025
Robinson Risner was a friend of my grandparents. Incredibly moving to read his experience as a POW for 7 years in Vietnam.
January 1, 2021
I discovered this book on the recommendation of a dear friend. She had a husband who was a pilot in Vietnam and actually ended up meeting (now General) Risner. When she discovered my interest in history she said I should read it.
Risner's account of his over seven years in a North Vietnamese POW camp, the infamous Hanoi Hilton, is an enlightening account of what American servicemen went through when they were captured and imprisoned there. It is harrowing, it is raw at times, and it sheds light on a grotesque feature of war that I think regular citizens don't hear enough about. The sacrifices and horrors the men held by the North Vietnamese endured are hard to read about. But this is real history, and it is important. These experiences would define these mens' lives. How could they not?
The book itself is in a memoir, first-person style. It gives us background on Risner's early career in the military, for example when he is stationed in Panama during World War II as a young pilot. He remains in the service and is eventually called upon to fly combat missions over Korea and Vietnam. He is decorated as an ace for his accomplishments in the Korean War, one of very few pilots to achieve that honor. In fact, when he is captured in Vietnam, his captors eventually recognize him from the cover of Time Magazine, where he was featured.
Risner does a very good job, if methodical at times, of describing the trials he faced as a POW. In fact, he sometimes approaches the description of his internment with the cold, calculated manner of an officer giving a report. This is understandable from a career military office. But there is no shortage of passages that take the reader into the dark, dank, hot, pest-infested cells where Risner and his fellow prisoners are held. He tells us how they are able to create rudimentary communication systems, how they figure out how to reconstruct a command structure based on rank, and how they eventually make a working list of each prisoner held, and with minimal physical and direct contact with each other.
I think the most powerful parts of the book concern the methods Risner uses to cope with and withstand his barbarous captivity. He focuses on three main things: his military training (chain of command, how to conduct oneself as an office, etc), his Christian faith, and his love of country. The military training help him decide how to act in various sensitive situations. His faith keeps him going during the darkest of times, which are many. Then, his sincere love of the US and belief in its mission in Vietnam provides unwavering certainty that what he was doing when he got shot down, and the missions of his fellow prisoners, was right and just.
The book was published in 1973, not long after Risner was released, and I do not find any newer editions, though my printing has photos of Risner even up until the early 2000s. The point of view of the narrative is from a career military officer, immediately after his release, during the dying embers of a the war. Therefore, the filter of time and understanding that colors so much of how modern Americans thing about the Vietnam War is absent. It is very gung ho America, and this I cannot fault if this perspective helped get this man through this most inhumane period of his life.
Likewise, there are a few fleeting passages that convey a sense of American chauvinism that is rather unpalatable today. One that stands out describes a scene when Risner and other pilots stationed in Panama during World War II would buzz the huts and shanties of the locals near the airfield in their warplanes, blowing the roofs off the homes and buildings. He mentions this almost in passing, as it was just something they did to pass the time. Today, at least for me, it is hard to find a reason to root for that person. I know this is what people did back then, but it stands out as an example of what the world would find to be wrong with the Americans and the power they hold. That type of behavior doesn't endear you to anyone, and it's obvious that the pilots back then didn't care. I do think that, overall, many American military members think differently today. But it's a bad look.
Regardless, the story is an epic look into the inside of one of the most infamous war prisons in history. The fact that Risner and many of the men (but not all) made it out is a testament to human will, mental fortitude, and the ability of faith and hope to sustain life. The book is a true document of history, and of the American experience. It is an experience which is not told often enough.
Risner's account of his over seven years in a North Vietnamese POW camp, the infamous Hanoi Hilton, is an enlightening account of what American servicemen went through when they were captured and imprisoned there. It is harrowing, it is raw at times, and it sheds light on a grotesque feature of war that I think regular citizens don't hear enough about. The sacrifices and horrors the men held by the North Vietnamese endured are hard to read about. But this is real history, and it is important. These experiences would define these mens' lives. How could they not?
The book itself is in a memoir, first-person style. It gives us background on Risner's early career in the military, for example when he is stationed in Panama during World War II as a young pilot. He remains in the service and is eventually called upon to fly combat missions over Korea and Vietnam. He is decorated as an ace for his accomplishments in the Korean War, one of very few pilots to achieve that honor. In fact, when he is captured in Vietnam, his captors eventually recognize him from the cover of Time Magazine, where he was featured.
Risner does a very good job, if methodical at times, of describing the trials he faced as a POW. In fact, he sometimes approaches the description of his internment with the cold, calculated manner of an officer giving a report. This is understandable from a career military office. But there is no shortage of passages that take the reader into the dark, dank, hot, pest-infested cells where Risner and his fellow prisoners are held. He tells us how they are able to create rudimentary communication systems, how they figure out how to reconstruct a command structure based on rank, and how they eventually make a working list of each prisoner held, and with minimal physical and direct contact with each other.
I think the most powerful parts of the book concern the methods Risner uses to cope with and withstand his barbarous captivity. He focuses on three main things: his military training (chain of command, how to conduct oneself as an office, etc), his Christian faith, and his love of country. The military training help him decide how to act in various sensitive situations. His faith keeps him going during the darkest of times, which are many. Then, his sincere love of the US and belief in its mission in Vietnam provides unwavering certainty that what he was doing when he got shot down, and the missions of his fellow prisoners, was right and just.
The book was published in 1973, not long after Risner was released, and I do not find any newer editions, though my printing has photos of Risner even up until the early 2000s. The point of view of the narrative is from a career military officer, immediately after his release, during the dying embers of a the war. Therefore, the filter of time and understanding that colors so much of how modern Americans thing about the Vietnam War is absent. It is very gung ho America, and this I cannot fault if this perspective helped get this man through this most inhumane period of his life.
Likewise, there are a few fleeting passages that convey a sense of American chauvinism that is rather unpalatable today. One that stands out describes a scene when Risner and other pilots stationed in Panama during World War II would buzz the huts and shanties of the locals near the airfield in their warplanes, blowing the roofs off the homes and buildings. He mentions this almost in passing, as it was just something they did to pass the time. Today, at least for me, it is hard to find a reason to root for that person. I know this is what people did back then, but it stands out as an example of what the world would find to be wrong with the Americans and the power they hold. That type of behavior doesn't endear you to anyone, and it's obvious that the pilots back then didn't care. I do think that, overall, many American military members think differently today. But it's a bad look.
Regardless, the story is an epic look into the inside of one of the most infamous war prisons in history. The fact that Risner and many of the men (but not all) made it out is a testament to human will, mental fortitude, and the ability of faith and hope to sustain life. The book is a true document of history, and of the American experience. It is an experience which is not told often enough.
July 5, 2025
Maybe because I’ve read quite a bit about the POWs of the North Vietnamese this one dragged a bit for me. Probably better if you’re just starting on that journey.
October 20, 2020
This book is a testament to the power of faith when facing a terrible experience. Makes me thankful for those who take an oath and live by it.
October 5, 2008
This is a memoir in plain terms. This guy does not make himself out to be a "superman", but details his experience
in black and white. It is difficult to read how humans treat eachother. Then wonderful to read how this man kept his faith in God to make it through an awful ordeal.
in black and white. It is difficult to read how humans treat eachother. Then wonderful to read how this man kept his faith in God to make it through an awful ordeal.
June 29, 2012
Incredible story from a true warrior. It makes you realize just how much you take for granted the things truly important in life -- love of family, the freedoms we possess, and camaraderie of our friends. Trust in God and belief that He will provide is powerfully demonstrated.
February 9, 2010
Excellent, excellent book. Robbie Risner is a real hero!!
March 31, 2022
Risner's memoir of his time as a Prisoner of War in the "Hanoi Hilton" is a raw, unflinching, and frank account of man's inhumanity to man. Risner straightforwardly recounts the torture, isolation, and neglect that his captors inflicted on him and hundreds of other American and allied military personnel. Through it all, his faith in God shines through as the only thing keeping him alive and sane.
The only discordant note that this book struck with me was Risner's focus on politics in the closing chapters. As this was written in 1973, shortly after his release and return to the United States, it is not surprising that he felt the need to write about his support and gratitude for President Nixon's role in securing the POWs' release. However, as Nixon was shortly thereafter embroiled in the Watergate Scandal and resigned in 1974, Risner's praise for the President, while well-intentioned and supported by the historical record of Nixon's foreign policies, leaves a sour taste at the end of an otherwise very good book.
The only discordant note that this book struck with me was Risner's focus on politics in the closing chapters. As this was written in 1973, shortly after his release and return to the United States, it is not surprising that he felt the need to write about his support and gratitude for President Nixon's role in securing the POWs' release. However, as Nixon was shortly thereafter embroiled in the Watergate Scandal and resigned in 1974, Risner's praise for the President, while well-intentioned and supported by the historical record of Nixon's foreign policies, leaves a sour taste at the end of an otherwise very good book.
September 18, 2024
This book is out of print from what I understand but is part of our book club for next month and it certainly worth mentioning. I do believe that there are still copies available on the secondary market. This is a tough book to read, but so important in our history to know and remember how terrible war always is. General Risner's in depth re-telling of seven and a half years in a north Vietnam prison is well worth the read. His approach is pretty straight forward but the lasting implications on he and his family last a lifetime.
December 13, 2020
There's tough and then there's Robbie Risner tough. I saw him speak in 1998 while attending Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB AL. Reading this book reminded me of the incredible strength of spirit he displayed while in captivity for over 7 years in Vietnam. He never wavered in his belief in God, country, freedom, and family. I can't recommend this book enough.
March 15, 2018
What a timeless story of endurance and resilience. I hope to never go through something like that, but if I did, I pray that I could have a tenth of the fortitude that General Risner showed in those cells.
June 22, 2022
I think this should be required reading. It's very emotionally rough to read his account, but it's important. Too often we get the Vietnam of "protestors" and don't get what the military was going through.
March 25, 2018
This is by far the best POW story I've ever read.
April 11, 2019
A good no nonsense description of being a POW at the notorious Hanoi Hilton.
July 16, 2015
Sometimes old war books can be awfully boring. And then there's this one. I was held captive (pun intended) for all 260+ pages of General Robinson Risner's story. I was particularly impressed by his spirit and faith throughout his ordeal. Even at his lowest, he found hope and courage to continue through a 7 year ordeal of some of the harshest treatment one can imagine.
I was particularly struck by his month long confinement in a completely dark 7'x7' cell. And then, there's the time he was locked in foot shackles on a bed for well over a month. And the mind games that the enemy played were so harsh, it was amazing he didn't come unglued. But through it all, his faith in God and camaraderie with his fellow servicemen saw him through.
Leadership, courage and faith make this book shine. And, no surprise because it's an autobiography, you'll cheer along with him when he's released at the end. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an uplifting story about a great American patriot and hero.
I was particularly struck by his month long confinement in a completely dark 7'x7' cell. And then, there's the time he was locked in foot shackles on a bed for well over a month. And the mind games that the enemy played were so harsh, it was amazing he didn't come unglued. But through it all, his faith in God and camaraderie with his fellow servicemen saw him through.
Leadership, courage and faith make this book shine. And, no surprise because it's an autobiography, you'll cheer along with him when he's released at the end. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an uplifting story about a great American patriot and hero.
August 10, 2011
I found this book at a hotel's display case - one of those bookshelves designed to give a room a homey sense, full of books from a used bookstore. I asked if I could have the book, which they happily obliged. It became one of my favorites.
Risner tells the story of his capture in Vietnam, along with James Stockdale. He does so with the same clarity that saw him through that terrible ordeal. This book has stayed with me, with its details of how to adapt, improvise, and overcome. Their invention of tapping codes, their maintenance of chain of command and duty, their stoicism in the face of the brutal treatment by the Vietnamese. It appears that rules of engagement and honorable treatment of prisoners is a purely Western notion, and we should always "trust but verify!" The brief recounting of the Jane Fonda incident will reanimate old wounds. For the Press and entertainers, we should amend to "Don't trust, and verify."
Risner tells the story of his capture in Vietnam, along with James Stockdale. He does so with the same clarity that saw him through that terrible ordeal. This book has stayed with me, with its details of how to adapt, improvise, and overcome. Their invention of tapping codes, their maintenance of chain of command and duty, their stoicism in the face of the brutal treatment by the Vietnamese. It appears that rules of engagement and honorable treatment of prisoners is a purely Western notion, and we should always "trust but verify!" The brief recounting of the Jane Fonda incident will reanimate old wounds. For the Press and entertainers, we should amend to "Don't trust, and verify."
November 26, 2016
I joined the Air Force to fly. This book was a recommendation by my Flight Commander in 1984 - he knew Robbie Risner personally. He understood I would likely read a book about fighter pilots above almost any other subject. What a profound read - it teaches so much about life, faith, suffering, and loss. This isn't fiction or the graphic make-believe of today's Hollywood - this is the real world at war when lives are simply pawns in the greater political battle. It has been a staple in my library and I have recommended this book to numerous young officers as they begin their journey in the real world. The compelling story, and the remarkable faith embodied by Gen Risner helped me create a habit of reading and life long learning. Thank you General Risner for telling this story and for your remarkable service to our nation.
Highly recommend this book.
Highly recommend this book.
July 22, 2016
While I think this was an important read for me (this is the first book I've read that educated me on the horrors of being a POW in the Vietnam War), I think it could've benefited from either a ghost writer or an editor. Sometimes it felt more like he was just writing wherever the wind blew him in his memories, so it felt scattered and jumpy. He also assumed the reader knew much more about military tactics, flying jargon, etc. than I do, which made it hard to follow at times. And then there were grammatical and syntax errors that bothered me (like using the phrase that something "literally" blew his mind multiple times).
August 28, 2014
This is an EXCELLENT read for anyone that likes military books.I was amazed of his story about being kept in the "Hanoi Hilton" for 7-1/2 years. I was also very lucky to receive this copy from my father, SIGNED by Col. Risner! I would recommend it to anyone that likes to read biographies as well. The book was written in plain, easy to understand terms that will keep any reader from putting this one down!
June 15, 2016
Picked up this one as a used copy. Very interesting both from a historical viewpoint, how the POW camps in North Vietnam were, and from the point of view of the author who went through and survived this ordeal. Being an atheist, the many passages where he calls upon god to help him were a little too much for me. Don't get me wrong, I fully respect his faith and I am sure this was a major factor in his survival of these horrendous times.
September 18, 2007
I am Sooo lucky, I found a copy that has Gen. Robinson Risner's (RET) signature! (Book was published while he was still Col.)
I would reccomend this book to anyone that wants to know what happened to our POW/MIA during Vietnam.
I have met some of the people that he writes about in the book, it definately struck home, reading it again and knowing who he was talking about.
I would reccomend this book to anyone that wants to know what happened to our POW/MIA during Vietnam.
I have met some of the people that he writes about in the book, it definately struck home, reading it again and knowing who he was talking about.
March 9, 2009
I found this on the bargain book rack and was very pleasantly suprised at how much I enjoyed it. The story was a picture of the cruelty of the Vietnamese along with the faith and strength of the prisoners. I recommend it highly.
June 10, 2012
Robbie Risner is a true hero along with all the others who suffered the effects of POW status. This story will captivate you, leave you heartbroken but inspired at the same time. I had read Seven Years in Hanoi many years ago. Both stories filled me with strong patriotic pride. Great book!
November 13, 2012
unreal. This book was clear, concise, and "easy" to read, except that it was harrowing. The treatment endured by men like Col. Risner is absolutely awful. The courage and resolve shown by these men is remarkable.
September 30, 2008
Wow...EXCELLENT
June 22, 2010
An unbelievable story of a man's strength and courage to survive the most horrible situation a human can imagine.
September 19, 2012
A horrific story of one of the very first airmen to be shot down in Vietnam. I think I remember my dad telling me this guy was in his squadron right before HE got there.
September 11, 2014
interestingly story. I expected a little more. This would be perfect reading for a high school student.
March 16, 2013
I read this book quickly because it was so interesting.
I am amazed this is no longer in print.
I am amazed this is no longer in print.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews