LAUGHTER IN HELL

by Stephen Marek ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1954

Perhaps this should have come much sooner, in order to achieve the market it deserves. Today with the horrors of Korean prison camps a fresh blot on civilization, true accounts of the less sordid aspects of life in Japanese prison camps during World War II are not in demand for news value. View this as tense and exciting reading, a composite picture of two camps as Onaka and Taurga -- and a portrait of undaunted American laughter, elements of ingenuity and humor, which prevailed against the rigors. Many of the incidents, recounted by a naval officer and a sergeant of marines to Stephen Marek, center around the prisoners' efforts to piece out their meagre rations of rice and seaweed, with the stores that came to camp for Japanese officers. The greatest victory was when they were permitted their own ""soup pot"" into which went their stolen loot, which added some ten or fifteen pounds to the 110 average of most of the American prisoners after a year. The ability of the men to accept degradation and brutality, to keep up their spirits and morale, their solidarity, tenderness and loyalty despite beatings and solitary confinement is a heartening picture of Americans. The end- when peace was heralded by American ""chow"" dropped by planes -- has tremendous emotional impact. A moving record, which should not be bypassed.

Pub Date: May 15, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Caxton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION