Taken on Trust

by Terry Waite

This autobiography describes the hours before and after Terry Waite was taken hostage in January 1987 in Beirut. Waite analyzes his thoughts and feelings immediately prior to captivity - what was the nature of his role as envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury? What was his relationship with the Americans and Colonel Oliver North? The book looks at Waite from his upbringing in Styal, Cheshire, until after his release in November 1991, when he had become one of the best-known figures of his time. It is an account of his years in solitary confinement and of the inner strengths which enabled him to survive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, History, Memoir, Christian, Middle East

512 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Terence Hardy "Terry" Waite CBE is an English humanitarian and author. Waite was the Assistant for Anglican Communion Affairs for the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, in the 1980s. As an envoy for the Church of England, he travelled to Lebanon to try to secure the release of four hostages, including the journalist John McCarthy. He was himself kidnapped and held captive from 1987 to 1991. [Wikipedia]

Reviews

[Bionic Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A five-star review for an autobiography must be a rarity, but this is an exceptional book. It is articulate, considered, and above all a testament to the sheer courage and integrity of an unassuming man called Terry Waite.

The author states that he mentally wrote this autobiography in his prison cell in Beirut, and frequently asserts that this was one of the things that kept him sane through his 1,460 day ordeal. It begins several hours before his capture, recording his thoughts and feelings immediately prior to this. There is a kind of inevitability in reading this section which does not come from any sense of being wise after the event. He had been advised countless times that such a thing could happen if he persevered in his meetings with representatives of some of the religious factions face to face, but felt a strong conviction that this was the only way forward for any sort of peace negotiations.

The bulk of the book is a day-by-day account of his experiences in solitary confinement. He never knew where he was, or where others were. There were occasional fleeting impressions of other prisoners, but nothing consistent. Neighbouring prisoners would disappear. His guards would change. Sometimes they would be almost courteous, almost regretful, sometimes brutal. Terry Waite makes it clear that he did not feel particularly brave; that he was just as frightened of pain and torture as any other person, but that he had determined to see this through behaving with calmness and courtesy. It was clear that his captors were just as confused about the religious situation as anybody. Their affiliations changed daily. Clearly there was turmoil, with so many factions that nobody seemed to quite know whose orders to follow - or even who was giving the orders.

During his time he was ignored for most of every 24 hours, with just enough food to survive. He developed a regime of exercise in his tiny cell, though there was barely room. His "bunk" or blanket might disappear for no reason. If he considered that he had made some headway and established a trusting relationship with a guard he would request pen and paper, but this was always refused. Once the "prison governor" came to see him. Although Terry Waite did not get his pen and paper, he was given a book - an odd English translation which he had read before - but which he read over and over and evidently cherished in such circumstances.

But most of these hours were devoted to reflection and introspection. Reading through this daily chronicle we learn about his early life and work. Every so often the anecdotal flashbacks would be interrupted by his captors - a clever device in the book which mirrored the situation he was in. When the author was released, he says he immediately spent several months in a room, writing this all down verbatim; an incredible feat.

The sheer inner strength of the man shines through in this work. There is absolutely no self-pity, and no condemnation of his captors. Sometimes he had a struggle to maintain his faith, and found this perhaps the most difficult thing to endure. However, the reader does not need to be at all religious to appreciate this extraordinary and very readable account.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book a few times over the years and if you chance on a copy it's well worth a read.
Truly exceptional story, truly exceptional man. Very highly recommended and I would give more than five stars if I could.

[Joel Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the good fortune to meet Terry Waite at a dinner where he was the featured speaker. I was seated next to him at the end of the table and for some reason the other people at the table didn't seem interested or able to talk to him very much. So I had a chance to really engage him in conversation. I found him to be a fascincating individual and immediately went out and purchased his book, Taken on Trust. To have lived through such an ordeal and be as wonderfully positive and inspiring a person as Terry Waite is, is one of the truly astounding things I have seen in the world. His book is a true life thriller that I could not put down. I still find it hard to believe that someone could be so forgiving and understanding. This book makes you realize how different people can be (in a positive way), as not all his fellow hostages came through feeling the same way.

[Arthur "AJ" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry's story demonstrates the strength of the human character. He is a living example that any of can follow.
It takes endurance to survive brutality; Terry demonstrates that. It took creativity to write his story while undergoing those abuses; again, he displays that. Writing it down - now I find this a courageous step because writing it down involves reliving the experience. He shows us that he did that. Then, overall, there is the fortitude to display your humaness before the public and your readers. To be able to stand tall - he is a shinning example.

[Crystal M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book covers Terry’s time held hostage by Islamic terrorists, he was held for over 5 years in Lebanon. The first 4 years were spent on solitary confinement and the last year with other prisoners. He was interrogated and beaten a few times, denied medical care which resulted in him having multiple illnesses, and kept in filthy conditions. I don’t know why he was released and the book doesn’t say, it also switches back and forth continuously throughout the book and it drove me crazy. I hate when authors do that unless it is done REALLY well and this was not.

[Lisa Rowles]

Having just read John McCarthy's account of his time as a captive in Beirut, it seemed a good idea to read Terry Waite's version when I spottted it on a second-hand bookstall. It's a little dry to read and at times, I struggled to continue as it is peppered with 'I' and 'myself' which makes it a bit tiresome to read. However Waite does write in proper sentences, if somewhat long-windedly.

I must admit that as a politically disinterested teenager I knew very little of the situation in Beirut and accepted at face value the various criticisms levelled at Waite for insisting upon returning to Beirut time and again on behalf of the various hostages, until he was (rather inevitably acccording to some sources) taken prisoner himself. Be that as it may, and this was one of the themes that I struggled with at first, Waite' religious beliefs shone through on every page.

The only words of anger he writes are when he is deprived of a basic human need or want, or when he describes violence against humanity. He prefers to pray for his captors than hate them and even eschews an opportunity for attempting an escape rather use arms against his captors. In his captivity, he mentally explores his early life and career, friendships, marriage and his various moves over the world struggling to find fulfilment. Although he has a great Christian faith, Waite refuses to consider ordination, preferring to work with the root causes of social unrest and poverty directly as a kind of modern missionary. This led him by indirect means to negotiating with various hostage groups for their ultimate release without lose of face to either party. The rest of the biography details his day to day struggle to retain some measure of dignity in the difficult situations he found himself in.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly compelling story of survival and personal history. Nearly four years in captivity, as the senior cleric of the Anglican Church of England, Waite was employing the good offices of his church attempting to mediate/facilitate a release of Druze hostages, when he became a hostage also. I was compelled to learn of his story, as I had watched with the world as it unfolded. I never thought he would ever be seen again. I was nevertheless impressed at how his spirit and trust in his God, had overcome the obstacles of his confinement and helped him survive. Impressive to me even though I don't embrace his theology or religious sentiments.

It amuses me that another reviewer would feel compelled to opine that "he is obviously not a professional writer." (a statement of the obvious) Oh please! Is that really necessary. The story is gripping and personal, and I never noticed his lack of credentials. Events happen to real people and one does not need to be a "pro" to tell a good story.



P.S. I am not sure who created this edition record but mine is in English.

[Clare Josa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long book - but Terry Waite spent a long time as a hostage.
He shares, with brutal honesty, his experience of trusting those holding the hostages, but having his trust betrayed, when they took him hostage, too.
After nearly 5 years as a captive, mainly in squalid conditions, in solitary confinement, Terry is still able to feel compassion for his captors.
Throughout the book, he shares his emotional, physical and mental journey, with compelling authenticity. His narrative takes us through his entire life, combined with sharing his strategies for staying sane and managing the fear and stress that came with his captivity.
Reading this book with an open heart, it is hard not to be moved or to leave your life unchanged.
If I take anything from 'Taken On Trust', it is that every day is precious and the only way we will live our lives to the full is to open our hearts and to release the bonds of past pains, fears and mistakes - a powerful message.

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fascinating. Not very well written, as it's obvious that Terry Waite isn't a professional writer, but still I couldn't put it down, because reading about his life - especially the years in Africa and the five years as a prisoner - was incredibly interesting. It made me wonder - how on earth would I cope with being held prisoner for 5 years, and be in isolation for 4 of those? I guess it's one of those things you'll never know until you're actually in the situation - and God willing, that'll never be the case. I highly recommend this book. It's probably the best autobiography I've ever read.

[Elisha Crossfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

The whole reason I persevered with this book is because I wanted to find out why he was held captive, how he was released, why this release eventually happened, and what it would be like re-integrating into life after so long in solitary confinement. There is none of this at the end. I skipped about 100 pages in the middle of the book and it made no difference to missing any of the required parts of the story. It also tells a lot about this past life, which is interesting, but not the reason I was reading the book. And of course, being held in solitary confinement for 4 years is really quite repetitive to read about! Would not recommend unfortunately.

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was moving, tense and, at times, gripping. I was hooked on the parts of his time as a hostage and his upbringing but then too much of the book is given to his career working for The Archbishop of Canterbury.

As a Christian I wanted to know more about his faith but this was only occasionally referenced. There was also a certain degree of detachment. The later chapters skip a lot; including 99% of the time he spent with other hostages.

I hoped this would be so much more, however, it’s an incredibly real account of a situation where many would have given up hope.

[Ade Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense and honest account of Waite's terrible isolation during his years as a captive. Suddenly, when reading it and sharing the awfulness of his suffering, his doubts and sorrow and self hatreds and all the other things that lie in we humans under the surface, the fragility of our faith and values and principles, suddenly something fell away and when you read it you may be lucky enough, like me, to discover an amazing truth.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1987 Terry Waite was a Church of England envoy who travelled to Lebanon in an attempt to secure the release of numerous Western hostages, including Brian Keenan. He ended up being abducted and held for ransom as well.

This book is a perfectly adequate description of what occurred next - but with respect to Mr Waite if you really want to read a truly exceptional book about these events you must read ‘An evil cradling’ by Brian Keenan.

[Pat Morris-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read this as a book club book. Had negative thoughts about him since publicity from other hostages. However he writes well. It makes sense why he was disliked. Interesting although difficult to read at times. I came away with impression of a good, if unlikeable man. His poor family were patient. He says this a lot. He is right. However he tells the tale well and it is written so it can be read quickly if one wants to do so.

[Will Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is objectively a very good book, but somehow it just kept losing me. I found the structure of repeated chronological jumps somewhat distracting. Whilst Waite has clearly led a fascinating life, too much time was given to expounding on unremarkable details whilst it felt like some truly interesting times were only given a cursory glance.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* - Audible Audiobook

It's not the book I'd expected. TW is not a pious man - something he attests to a number of times throughout, yet he lyrically postulates in a manner suggesting that is how he sees himself and wishes for others to see him. He does, however, tell of "his resolve never to have any regrets, any false sentimentality, and any self-pity." - and these elements of what he says do come through

The accounting of his past and of his being held hostage is interesting, informative, and so varied (there is no doubting he has lived a life!), which makes the book feel alive in places, yet the somewhat self-aggrandising narrative and extremely repetitive nature of swathes of other passages detach it from any sense of thrill, suspense or endurance that he may be trying to convey

Most frustrating of all, he offers no insights into the 'why' of his release nor the 'how' of his reintegration into family and society. It also reads more as a memoir than a true autobiography

Ultimately, it's incongruous

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting autobiography, written by a hostage negotiator who was in turn taken hostage himself. Terry Waites was imprisoned in Beruit for nearly 5 years during the nineties, and was held in solitary confinement for most of that time.

It's a long book at nearly 500 pages, and I invariable found the parts that discussed his imprisonment fascinating. His courage, fortitude and respectful dynamic with his captors were inspiring.

The other half of the novel tells the rest of his life story. While there were small nuggets of excitement to be found here, I did find a lot of this weaker.

Regardless of my view on the book, it's clear that Terry Waite is highly deserving of respect, and I'm glad I read his account.

[Simon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete honesty about what worked and didn't work before and during Terry's time as a hostage. Survival during such cruelty, isolation, loneliness and adversity is described in sharp detail. What an uplifting book but also a difficult read at times. Very interesting to read the international church's influence and efforts into the hostage situations of the 80's and also the impact of such imprisonment on the human mind, heart, resolve, intellect and condition. Try Waite's pragmatism sometimes makes light of what must have been horrendous treatment and incredibly stressful situations. I was deeply moved by this book.

[Kathryn Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was 7 years old when Terry Waite was captured. Only as an adult do I understand the story, the context and its significance. Beautifully written with no malice for his captors. I enjoyed the interwoveness of the story of captivity and his experiences in the Church Army. A story not only of captivity but of finding inner strength, how to trust God in the depths of suffering and without understanding but always remaining joyful in Him. How as human beings we are complex, but simple also and all on a faith journey. Encouraging, moving, hopeful, humble.

[Philip Battle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A re-read: I first read this when it was published in 1993 and although I enjoyed it I never quite finished reading it, better late than never!! An excellent study reflecting the tenacity of the human spirit in suffering extreme conditions. Five years as a prisoner (hostage), mostly in solitary confinement would test anybody's sanity and I'm certain this book would bring great comfort to those who have endured the torment of being imprisoned and falsely accused, forget the Middle East, it's happening in Britain everyday!

A comforting ***THREE STARS***

[JulS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was actually looking for a memoir by Terry Anderson but got confused and ended up with this. What are the unfortunate chances of two Terrys being hostages at the same time and place? TW tells his life story intermixed with the story of being a hostage. I think it was well written and he’s clearly a really bright and good, honorable man. TW shares quite a bit of how he kept himself sane in isolation and the role his faith plays. I will not forget that he had a chance to escape his captors when he found the loaded gun but he refused to compromise his beliefs of nonviolence. Wow.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book sitting on my bookshelf for some time and lockdown has given me the opportunity to read it.
What an amazing man, to have survived such a long ordeal. I remember the newsreel when he was eventually returned to British soil and seeing how gaunt he looked. He has told the story of his time in captivity warts and all. An excellent read. So glad I have eventually got around to reading this book.

[Rachelle Seymore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exceptional read! How Terry Waite stayed sane, while in chains in dingy, dirty small rooms without sunshine or fresh air, is beyond me. I have learned much from this book, not only about inner strength but also about the way he methodically went about it. The role of discipline was evident here. There was also some history of the work of the churches, especially in Africa that I found extremely interesting.

[John Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally read my copy of Terry Waite's Taken On Trust. It increasingly picks up pace as it progresses. As much as it is probably possible, he manages to convey a sense of his experience of being held in isolation for so long. Was struck by his poignant advice for would-be authors: "Keep a space in your mind for the man or woman in prison; the individual who will read your book with the same sort of relish with which a starving peasant seizes a loaf of bread..."

[Lisa Baillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed. To much on the memories that got him through his ordeal. I had looked forward to reading about his time being captive. Still very interesting read. Cannot begin to imagine being in his position. Unlike many he was very lucky to walk away and be able to tell his story. Sadly not everyone is as lucky.

[Zareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the autobiography compelling, extremely well written, honest & Terry Waite showed an increasing self-awareness.

During his period of solitary confinement Terry learnt to appreciate solitude & also learnt to live out his Christian faith. He emerges as a fully developing person. A compassionate man full of growing insight & understanding.

[Barbara Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving book, interspersing the story of Terry Waite’s life with the story of his capture, detention and eventual release. He describes his time in captivity, in line with one of the three vows he made when he realised he was being held, with no self-pity.

A truly remarkable man - humble, brave, and much better than he seems to believe himself to be.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

He spent 1763 days as a captive, most of it in solitary confinement, and we complain about a few weeks confined in the comfort of our homes. A good book to remind us of what's important in life; the story of a principled, caring Christian.

[Peter Jump · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but the constant time shifting is frustrating. Also, there’s too much about his life story (with too much irrelevant detail) and too little about his captivity. It’s hard not to feel that, perhaps understandably, he’s holding some things back.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author was and is a very brave man. His story was a bit too depressing for me (why did I choose to read it then?). I respect the man and his relating of a traumatic time in his life. The fact he came out of the experience sane is a tribute to his character