“The story of Peter Jackson’s experience as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II is a compelling read.  A remarkable facet of it is his depiction of some Japanese soldiers as sympathetic friendly and caring…. This book does not dwell on the atrocities. Its tone is mild almost understanding….

Jackson employs an understated, almost naïve storytelling technique. Yet it is effective, much in the way of primitive art. It makes the book one you can race through and be left wanting more.”

— Mark Crean, The Press

“The memoir he has compiled of his three and a half years of internment is far from the stereotype of sadistic Japanese in books and films. Some of the guards come across as ordinary people  trapped in events that were not of their own making.  It is a theme Jackson emphasises in his book and in conversation….He never wanted any of this.”

— Arthur Whelan, Sunday Star Times

“Conversely there must be few things more depressing than to escape as a prisoner of war only to be recaptured….”

— Sarah Chandler, The Listener. 9 July 2011

“Survival is largely dependent on your frame of mind and attitude. If you believe you can get through something, then you can.”

— Peter Jackson, Christchurch Mail

“They will have worked out that Jackson survives- but how much he survives is truly incredible.”

— Paul Little, North and South