The Bamboo Cage: The Full Story of the American Servicemen Still Missing in Vietnam

by Nigel Cawthorne

Examines the persistent rumours that many US servicemen and possibly others of various nationalities were never released at the end of the Vietnam War and still languish in jails in Indo-China. The book claims that the American and Australian governments covered up the fate of their soldiers.

Genres: History

Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Nigel Cawthorne is an Anglo-American writer of fiction and non-fiction, and an editor. He has written more than 80 books on a wide range of subjects and has contributed to The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph Daily Mail and The New York Times. He has appeared on television and BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Many of Nigel Cawthorne's books are compilations of popular history, without footnotes, references or bibliographies. His own web site refers to a description of his home as a "book-writing factory" and says, "More than half my books were commissioned by publishers and packagers for a flat fee or for a for a reduced royalty".

One of his most notable works was Taking Back My Name, an autobiography of Ike Turner, with whom he spent a number of weeks working with him on, taking up residence in Turner's house. The book caused much controversy, resulting in court cases for three years following its release.

Cawthorne currently lives in Bloomsbury, London with his girlfriend and son, Colin (born 1982).

Reviews

[Ian Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by an English journalist, so without the political and emotional elements which influence American writing on the South East Asia POW-MIA issue. Reports given here would point to some aircrew having survived being shot down but not returned later. Excellent as a journalistic source, but without a satisfying assessment and conclusion.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

I was amazed and sickened to the point of absolute horror and anger after reading this book. To think that our government from the top down were culpable of blatant disregard for our POW's and their families. It only makes sense years later knowing how inept our powers that be manipulated our Country and are still to this day feeding us what they want us to hear. I weep for those left behind and their families. To say that Russia and China were players in this game makes perfect sense especially now when you see how prosperous those countries are and the technology they have acquired. Our leaders should be ashamed and since a good majority have long since passed I do pray that they receive their just punishment in the afterlife.

[Exene Cervenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grim...how any country could just abandon their servicemen without regard, it seems, to the terrible fate of torture and slavery until death is beyond my comprehension. A touch dry in spots with its large amount of detail but all necessary to add weight to pile of proof that these men were made disappear into a convenient history for those in charge.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Well researched and easier to read than the other two be I have read on this most troubling subject. Growing up during the Vietnam era, I still have my MIA/LOW bracelet....now I wonder, what really happened to the soldier whose name I have carried all these years.