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Four Miles To Freedom: Escape From A Pakistani POW Camp
When Flight Lieutenant Dilip Parulkar was shot down over Pakistan on 10 December 1971, he quickly turned that catastrophe into the greatest adventure of his life. On 13 August 1972 Parulkar, along with Malvinder Singh Grewal and Harish Sinhji escaped from a POW camp in Rawalpindi. Four Miles To Freedom is their story.
Based on interviews with eight Indian fighter pilots who helped prepare the escape and two who escaped, as well as research into other sources, Four Miles is also the moving, sometimes amusing, account of how twelve fighter pilots from different ranks and backgrounds coped with deprivation, forced intimacy, and the pervasive uncertainty of a year in captivity, and how they came together to support Parulkar's courageous escape.
Based on interviews with eight Indian fighter pilots who helped prepare the escape and two who escaped, as well as research into other sources, Four Miles is also the moving, sometimes amusing, account of how twelve fighter pilots from different ranks and backgrounds coped with deprivation, forced intimacy, and the pervasive uncertainty of a year in captivity, and how they came together to support Parulkar's courageous escape.
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
20 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Faith Johnston
8 books2 followersFaith Johnston lives in Winnipeg in the summer and in India in the darkest, coldest months of the winter.
She has written a number of articles and reviews as well as three books: A Great Restlessness (University of Manitoba Press 2006), The Only Man in the World (Turnstone Press 2012), and Four Miles to Freedom (Random House India 2013).
A Great Restlessness won the McNally-Robinson Book of the Year award and four other prizes. The Only Man in the World was short-listed for the Margaret Laurence award for fiction.
She has written a number of articles and reviews as well as three books: A Great Restlessness (University of Manitoba Press 2006), The Only Man in the World (Turnstone Press 2012), and Four Miles to Freedom (Random House India 2013).
A Great Restlessness won the McNally-Robinson Book of the Year award and four other prizes. The Only Man in the World was short-listed for the Margaret Laurence award for fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 24, 2024
This is a real story about 617 prisoners of war in Pakistan. It centers on the escape plan made by three Indian Air Force pilots.
August 6, 2019
'Four Miles To Freedom: Escape From A Pakistani POW Camp' was an interesting and easy read. Faith Johnson's lucid language and crisp narrative make Dilip Parulkar and his comrades' adventure sound no less than a Hollywood movie, just the way Dilip Parulkar wanted it to be.
January 11, 2014
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*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of Four Miles To Freedom: Escape From A Pakistani POW Camp by Faith Johnston from Random House India in exchange for an honest review. We thank the publishing house for book!
Four Miles To Freedom: Escape From A Pakistani POW Camp is a tale set in the backdrop of the 1971 war between India and Pakistan which ultimately led to the creation and recognition of the independent country of Bangladesh. While the entire political situation is something I have studied and know very well, what I wasn't aware of was the battle both Indian and Pakistani soldiers had to face while being held as prisoners of war in the opposition camp.
Four Miles To Freedom is the tale of a bunch of Indian army men who, while being stuck as prisoners of war in Pakistan, decide to make an escape plan to get back to their country. The reason I call the book a tale is because it is a piece of work put together by author Faith Johnston after having interviewed army men who were actually soldiers in the 1971 war and some of them even fought the 1965 India- Pakistan war. For a non-fiction read, this tale is very well executed and quite gripping, for which the retelling of a brave and courageous act of the soldiers and the brilliant execution of it by the author deserve credit.
While there have been and still are many books depicting the army lifestyle in general, Four Miles To Freedom took a fresh and new turn by focusing on the duties and work of army men rather than their way of life. What adds even more to the reality of an already real tale is the use of illustrations for geographical representations made by the soldiers, the sharing of letters exchanged between them and their loved ones and a set of absolutely lovely black and white photos that are showcased as well.
Four Miles To Freedom wasn't as moving a tale as I would have liked it to be or even expected it to be, but it was still a great piece of work put together. Even though I did not like the book as much as I would have loved to like it, I still liked reading the tale as it was put down brilliantly.
*NOTE: We (The Readdicts) received a copy of Four Miles To Freedom: Escape From A Pakistani POW Camp by Faith Johnston from Random House India in exchange for an honest review. We thank the publishing house for book!
Four Miles To Freedom: Escape From A Pakistani POW Camp is a tale set in the backdrop of the 1971 war between India and Pakistan which ultimately led to the creation and recognition of the independent country of Bangladesh. While the entire political situation is something I have studied and know very well, what I wasn't aware of was the battle both Indian and Pakistani soldiers had to face while being held as prisoners of war in the opposition camp.
Four Miles To Freedom is the tale of a bunch of Indian army men who, while being stuck as prisoners of war in Pakistan, decide to make an escape plan to get back to their country. The reason I call the book a tale is because it is a piece of work put together by author Faith Johnston after having interviewed army men who were actually soldiers in the 1971 war and some of them even fought the 1965 India- Pakistan war. For a non-fiction read, this tale is very well executed and quite gripping, for which the retelling of a brave and courageous act of the soldiers and the brilliant execution of it by the author deserve credit.
While there have been and still are many books depicting the army lifestyle in general, Four Miles To Freedom took a fresh and new turn by focusing on the duties and work of army men rather than their way of life. What adds even more to the reality of an already real tale is the use of illustrations for geographical representations made by the soldiers, the sharing of letters exchanged between them and their loved ones and a set of absolutely lovely black and white photos that are showcased as well.
Four Miles To Freedom wasn't as moving a tale as I would have liked it to be or even expected it to be, but it was still a great piece of work put together. Even though I did not like the book as much as I would have loved to like it, I still liked reading the tale as it was put down brilliantly.
January 31, 2015
The book does not exaggerate the drama or the tension of the escape which is a sign of good writing. Though they could not escape successfully, in the end all goes well. A good book for leisure reading.
August 8, 2024
²The book 'Four Miles to Freedom' is a story of an escape by three Indian soldiers from a Pakistani POW camp. While reading this, you will come across the events of the 1971 war, and you get to see how our Indian soldiers showed courage and valour during this war that resulted in a historic win for India and the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh.
In the initial chapters, you will get a brief introduction of the situation in east and west Pakistan before the war. Before starting the war, India went to many international platforms to resolve its refugee problem, but none of the western countries came forward. And the main concern was that the U.S. president, Richard Nixon at that time, paid a visit to Pakistan at that time and put a deaf ear to all the situation. That time, Russia came forward to help India. In the next chapters, you will see the condition of Indian POWs in Pakistani jails and how they planned for an escape. It's planning and execution. If you are a defence aspirant or somehow you are linked up with the armed forces, you will enjoy reading this book.
Fun fact : PM's of these three nations (India Pakisran,Bangladesh) who were PM after this war all were assassinated.
In the initial chapters, you will get a brief introduction of the situation in east and west Pakistan before the war. Before starting the war, India went to many international platforms to resolve its refugee problem, but none of the western countries came forward. And the main concern was that the U.S. president, Richard Nixon at that time, paid a visit to Pakistan at that time and put a deaf ear to all the situation. That time, Russia came forward to help India. In the next chapters, you will see the condition of Indian POWs in Pakistani jails and how they planned for an escape. It's planning and execution. If you are a defence aspirant or somehow you are linked up with the armed forces, you will enjoy reading this book.
Fun fact : PM's of these three nations (India Pakisran,Bangladesh) who were PM after this war all were assassinated.
November 23, 2017
This book had a much different ending than what the title seemed to suggest! I was really surprised at the ending that it had, I was waiting for one final twist to set everything straight. Not to be.
The strong hierarchy that is prevalent in the army is a strong presence throughout the book. It's referred to when the PoWs first meet their new "warden", when they are allotted rooms, in their dealings with the enlisted men at the Pakistani camp. Being officers, it seems like there is some respect they command from them simply holding their position. The author does a good job bringing this forth in a not-so-irritating way.
The last passage of this book really cracked me up, it was such raw truth.
The strong hierarchy that is prevalent in the army is a strong presence throughout the book. It's referred to when the PoWs first meet their new "warden", when they are allotted rooms, in their dealings with the enlisted men at the Pakistani camp. Being officers, it seems like there is some respect they command from them simply holding their position. The author does a good job bringing this forth in a not-so-irritating way.
The last passage of this book really cracked me up, it was such raw truth.
And each man, in his own way and in his own time, tried to catch up on all that he had missed, though in some ways you can never catch up. There will always be that tune everyone knows but you, or the memory of a child's first steps, or that word she repeated endlessly when she first began to talk. When you have been away from everything familiar for a year, some things are irretrievable.
February 20, 2020
ಬಾಂಗ್ಲಾ ವಿಮೋಚನೆಗೆ 1971 ರಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಕಿಸ್ತಾನದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಯುದ್ಧ ನಡೆದದ್ದು ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಗೊತ್ತು.ಆ ಯುದ್ಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರತದ ಯುದ್ಧವಿಮಾನಗಳ ಕೆಲವು ಪೈಲಟ್ಗಳು ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯ ಕಾರಣಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ ಪಾಕಿಸ್ತಾನದ ನೆಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಲ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಆಗಿ ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಂದ ಹೊಡೆತ ತಿಂದು ಆ ದೇಶದ ಯುದ್ಧಖೈದಿಗಳಾಗಬೇಕಾಗತ್ತೆ.ಆ ಹತ್ತು ಹನ್ನೆರಡು ಪೈಲಟ್ಗಳು ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಹಾಕಿಕೊಂಡದ್ದು ಹೇಗೆ, ಅವರನ್ನ ನಡೆಸಿಕೊಂಡ ರೀತಿ,ಅವರ ಒಂಟಿತನ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷ ಅಲ್ಲಿಯ ಜೈಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಜೀವನ ಇದೆಲ್ಲದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ Faith Johnstone ಎಂಬಾತ ಬರೆದ ಪುಸ್ತಕವೇ 4 miles to freedom.
ಇದಿಷ್ಟೆ ಆಗಿದ್ರೆ ಒಂದು ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಸರವಾಗ್ತಿತ್ತೇನೋ.ಆದರೆ ಆ ಪೈಲಟ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ಯಾಪಿಲಾನ್ ನ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನ ಓದಿ ಸ್ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಪಡೆದಿದ್ದ ದಿಲೀಪ್ ಎಂಬುವವರೊಬ್ಬರಿದ್ರು.ಯುದ್ದಖೈದಿಯಾದಾಗಿನಿಂದ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಹೇಗೆ ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕೆಂಬುದೇ ಕನವರಿಕೆ.ಸಹಚರರೆಲ್ಲ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಲು ನಿರಾಕರಿಸಿದ್ರೂ ತಾನೊಬ್ಬನೆ ಆದ್ರೂ ತಪ್ಪಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡೇ ಮಾಡ್ತೀನಿ ಅನ್ನೋ ಹಠ.ಕೊನೆಗೆ ದಿಲೀಪ್ ಗೆ ಇನ್ನಿಬ್ಬರು ಜೊತೆಯಾಗ್ತಾರೆ.ಆ great escape ಗೆ ಅವರು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡ ತಯಾರಿ, ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಬಗೆ ಕುತೂಹಲ ಮೂಡಿಸತ್ತೆ.ರಾತ್ರಿಯಿಡೀ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮಾಡಿ ಆಫ್ಘಾನಿಸ್ತಾನದ ಗಡಿ ಇನ್ನೇನು ನಾಲ್ಕೇ ಕಿಮೀ ಅಂದಾಗ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಬಿಳ್ತಾರೆ.ನಂತರ ಕೆಲಕಾಲ ಮತ್ತೆ ಜೈಲುವಾಸ.ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಎರಡೂ ಕಡೆಯ ಯುದ್ಧಖೈದಿಗಳ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಆಗಿ ಪೈಲಟ್ಗಳು ತಾಯ್ನಾಡಿಗೆ ಮರಳ್ತಾರೆ.ತುಂಬಾ ರೋಚಕವಾಗಿ ಕತೆ ಹೇಳದೆ ಒಂದು ಸಂಯಮದಿಂದ ಕತೆ ಬರೆದಿರೋದು ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗತ್ತೆ.
ಇದಿಷ್ಟೆ ಆಗಿದ್ರೆ ಒಂದು ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಸರವಾಗ್ತಿತ್ತೇನೋ.ಆದರೆ ಆ ಪೈಲಟ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ಯಾಪಿಲಾನ್ ನ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನ ಓದಿ ಸ್ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಪಡೆದಿದ್ದ ದಿಲೀಪ್ ಎಂಬುವವರೊಬ್ಬರಿದ್ರು.ಯುದ್ದಖೈದಿಯಾದಾಗಿನಿಂದ ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಹೇಗೆ ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕೆಂಬುದೇ ಕನವರಿಕೆ.ಸಹಚರರೆಲ್ಲ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡಲು ನಿರಾಕರಿಸಿದ್ರೂ ತಾನೊಬ್ಬನೆ ಆದ್ರೂ ತಪ್ಪಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡೇ ಮಾಡ್ತೀನಿ ಅನ್ನೋ ಹಠ.ಕೊನೆಗೆ ದಿಲೀಪ್ ಗೆ ಇನ್ನಿಬ್ಬರು ಜೊತೆಯಾಗ್ತಾರೆ.ಆ great escape ಗೆ ಅವರು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡ ತಯಾರಿ, ತಪ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಬಗೆ ಕುತೂಹಲ ಮೂಡಿಸತ್ತೆ.ರಾತ್ರಿಯಿಡೀ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮಾಡಿ ಆಫ್ಘಾನಿಸ್ತಾನದ ಗಡಿ ಇನ್ನೇನು ನಾಲ್ಕೇ ಕಿಮೀ ಅಂದಾಗ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಬಿಳ್ತಾರೆ.ನಂತರ ಕೆಲಕಾಲ ಮತ್ತೆ ಜೈಲುವಾಸ.ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಎರಡೂ ಕಡೆಯ ಯುದ್ಧಖೈದಿಗಳ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಆಗಿ ಪೈಲಟ್ಗಳು ತಾಯ್ನಾಡಿಗೆ ಮರಳ್ತಾರೆ.ತುಂಬಾ ರೋಚಕವಾಗಿ ಕತೆ ಹೇಳದೆ ಒಂದು ಸಂಯಮದಿಂದ ಕತೆ ಬರೆದಿರೋದು ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗತ್ತೆ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2017
Four miles to freedom is all about Indian soldiers who were prisoner in POW (Prisoner of war) camp, I know about the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, which created new country called Bangladesh. But I was seldom know about those who were being kept in a prisoner of war camps, how they were being treated, what food they were being given and their daily life in POW.
This is a story of brave Indian army men Dilip Parulkar, Malvinder Singh and Harish Sinhji who made an escape plan to return their homeland. I don’t want to spoil by revealing the entire plot of escape but while reading the book I came to know about how Indian troops being prepared for war and what items they carry while they were on a mission. Although their escape doesn’t turn out to be successful but their attempt and never say die attitude is very appreciative.
Four miles to freedom is a real story of Indian Army pilots whose fighter plane was shot by the Pakistani troops in a war of 1972. A huge credit goes to Faith Johnston who has interviewed Indian soldiers and presented this non-fiction to the readers. Although sometimes I was bored by reading the same scene otherwise it’s a well and inspirational book.
I recommend this motivated book to today’s youth for dedication and success from their work. I am very thankful to thereaddictsbookblog for providing this wonderful book.
This is a story of brave Indian army men Dilip Parulkar, Malvinder Singh and Harish Sinhji who made an escape plan to return their homeland. I don’t want to spoil by revealing the entire plot of escape but while reading the book I came to know about how Indian troops being prepared for war and what items they carry while they were on a mission. Although their escape doesn’t turn out to be successful but their attempt and never say die attitude is very appreciative.
Four miles to freedom is a real story of Indian Army pilots whose fighter plane was shot by the Pakistani troops in a war of 1972. A huge credit goes to Faith Johnston who has interviewed Indian soldiers and presented this non-fiction to the readers. Although sometimes I was bored by reading the same scene otherwise it’s a well and inspirational book.
I recommend this motivated book to today’s youth for dedication and success from their work. I am very thankful to thereaddictsbookblog for providing this wonderful book.
October 8, 2017
Interesting personal account vis a vis public account chalking the course of political disturbances that led to the 1971 Indo-Pak war. In the dearth of comprehensive Indian military history & narratives, the books gives an insight into military preparedness and life in POW camp mingled with stories of compassion and faith.
August 22, 2017
This short read is truly brilliant. It captures the stories of the PoWs while bringing the humour that they must have relied on so heavily to get through those days to the forefront. I highly recommend this book to those who have a keenness to read about the Indian armed forces
July 20, 2018
Very well written. It takes you to journey of courage, determination and the idea of never losing HOPE.! Author brilliantly captured the tension and mould it in a brilliant reading using the beautiful words. Very engaging.
May 16, 2021
The history of India and Pakistan has always fascinated me. Came across this book in the India Wants To Know weekly newsletter. A nice pacy read on an unbelievable escape attempt of Indian Air Force POWs. Also gives a nice glimpse into how opposing armies treat each other once war is over.
January 1, 2017
An excellent true-life escape attempt by some Indian PoWs in Pakistan. Brilliantly written. Couldn't stop until finished.
September 1, 2019
Tribute to all the POW.
Salute to Parulkar Sir, who made escape plan in the crucial situation. Salute to Indian armed forces. Jai Hind. ...
Salute to Parulkar Sir, who made escape plan in the crucial situation. Salute to Indian armed forces. Jai Hind. ...
November 15, 2020
Lovely little book. A gripping narrative devoid of any needless sensationalism. Thoroughly enjoyable.
October 3, 2024
A well explained story of an escape
August 2, 2014
I personally have not read too many non-fiction books, and for sure, none with a narrative which is quite as engaging as Four Miles to Freedom. Faith Johnston, the author successfully manages to transport us into the Pakistani prison camp where Dilip Parulkar and his flying mates from the IAF are captured and held during the 1971 war. This book talks about their story for the next few months and describes in detail their daily routines including a botched escape attempt as well. A nice light read which doesn’t tax the senses too much.
August 27, 2014
Well researched and well-written. This is a story of Indian pilots in the Pakistani POW camp and their attempt at a daring escape. The way the escape is planned and executed has been thrillingly described. You almost feel like you are living in the camp, watching the inmates live, eat, fall sick, get better, and some getting a release owing to health or other reasons. The pilots feel it is their 'duty' to atleast attempt an escape, and so they hatch a plan and succeed in walking out of the camp. The photographs at the end of the book are a delight.
January 19, 2014
Though strictly speaking the book is a non-fiction account of researched facts and interviews, in a narrative style that is fast and lean, the author presents a moving account of facts that reads more like a fiction.
Read the complete review of Four Miles To Freedom at
http://www.thebookoutline.com/2014/01...
Read the complete review of Four Miles To Freedom at
http://www.thebookoutline.com/2014/01...
August 25, 2014
It is a tale of bravery, courage, enterprise and never losing hope. The mission to escape from a Paki POW jail doesn't turn out to be a successful one but the story brings out the never-say-die spirit of the Indian air men. It also exemplifies why India won the 1971 war on the shoulders of such brave men.
Read
January 25, 2015The book is a journey of courage, bravery and determination. If you like reading non-fiction, you should go for it, but if you like reading fiction, especially light fiction, this book is not for you.
Read the full review here:
http://tarangsinha.blogspot.in/2015/0...
March 26, 2016
This is a true story of Indian Air Force POWs captured during 1971 India war. Officer Dilip Parulkar believed it was a duty of every POW to escape. He hatched a plan and was joined by three other fellow soldiers. Wonderfully written humorous at times. Inspiring to see enemies in war conducting themselves honorably after ceasefire and uploading military code of conduct. Truly a great read!
December 16, 2014
POW escape memoirs has always fascinated me on screens. I bought this book thinking to get the same feeling while reading about such events too. Though the book describes the event quite well, I suppose I will continue to prefer watching about such memoirs than reading.
February 4, 2014
Read my review here:
http://sankshvet.blogspot.in/2014/02/...
http://sankshvet.blogspot.in/2014/02/...
September 9, 2015
engrossing story.. but the narrative lets it down
December 31, 2022
Loved the detailed account mixed with humorous accounts, changed some perception about our neighbor.
August 7, 2023
An article elongated to a book
April 30, 2017
An excellent story, well -paced and gripping!.
August 17, 2017
First of all, before writing down my views on this book, I would like to salute with love and esteem to all of our warriors who ever fought a battle with courage and a feeling of responsibility towards the security of the nation. Jai Hind!
Now talking about the book, this is a true story about 617 POW's (Prisoners Of War) who were caught by the Pakistan Defence Forces during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Out of those 617 POW's, 12 were Indian Airforce Pilots, 6 were Indian Army Officers and the remaining were Indian Army jawans and civilians. This is particularly a story of an escape planned by three Indian Airforce Pilots (Flight Lieutenant Dilip Parulkar, Flight Lieutenant Harish Sinhji, and Flight Lieutenant M.S Grewal) to escape from the Rawalpindi jail. During Indo-Pak war of 1971, prisoners on both the sides were treated very gently, thanks to ICRC (International Committee of The Red Cross) and Geneva Convention (Well those rules don't apply to civilians). This book will shift your mind and body to a different world, it will show you the importance of keeping the peace between different countries and the consequences of a war.
I would recommend this book for those who love their country, respect humanity and are in a pursuit of becoming a Pilot (Because one day, u may get in that situation).
AN
Now talking about the book, this is a true story about 617 POW's (Prisoners Of War) who were caught by the Pakistan Defence Forces during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Out of those 617 POW's, 12 were Indian Airforce Pilots, 6 were Indian Army Officers and the remaining were Indian Army jawans and civilians. This is particularly a story of an escape planned by three Indian Airforce Pilots (Flight Lieutenant Dilip Parulkar, Flight Lieutenant Harish Sinhji, and Flight Lieutenant M.S Grewal) to escape from the Rawalpindi jail. During Indo-Pak war of 1971, prisoners on both the sides were treated very gently, thanks to ICRC (International Committee of The Red Cross) and Geneva Convention (Well those rules don't apply to civilians). This book will shift your mind and body to a different world, it will show you the importance of keeping the peace between different countries and the consequences of a war.
I would recommend this book for those who love their country, respect humanity and are in a pursuit of becoming a Pilot (Because one day, u may get in that situation).
AN
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews