Quotes
“A gripping
account of the ‘Alcatraz Eleven’…Townley’s telling of these important stories
is fresh and vivid, thanks to his interviews with surviving prisoners and their
family members. Defiant is an
excellent book for younger readers with little knowledge of this searing
chapter in American history, when a brash United States stumbled its way deeper
and deeper into the Indochina morass. Townley also adds an important, and often
overlooked, dimension to the prisoners’ stories—that of their wives’campaign at
home to thrust the plight of the POWs into the national spotlight.” New York Times Book Review
“Where do we get such men like the Alcatraz Eleven? Captured
during a controversial war and imprisoned by a cruel enemy, this stirring tale
by Alvin Townley of resilience and leadership under unimaginable conditions is
a must read.” Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., commander of Apollo 13
“Defiant is
a riveting tribute to the unyielding men who endured years of brutal captivity
as POWs in Vietnam and the families they left behind. The men of the ‘Alcatraz
Eleven’ are true American heroes, and their extraordinary stories will serve as
an inspiration for generations to come.” Senator John McCain
“That most tragic war in American history, Vietnam, demanded
more from many American servicemen than humans should have to endure. That some
Americans are asked by fate to give so much while most others give so little is
one of the insoluble conundrums of our age. Alvin Townley’s story of the
courage, valor, and honor of eleven indomitable POWs and their wives is a new
American classic that will be read as long as the breezes kiss Old Glory. As I
read it I wept.” Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author
“A unique American epic which must never be forgotten.
Thanks to Alvin Townley’s ability to convert its heartbreaking reality into
vivid prose, its men and women are alive as human beings as well as
symbols of their commitment to each other—and their country.” Thomas Fleming, New York Times bestselling author
“In Defiant, Alvin Townley reveals a moving,
inspiring, untold story of courage and sacrifice that stands as a vivid
testimony to what the human spirit can overcome. This is an important and too
often overlooked aspect of the Vietnam War’s history. But for those interested
in Vietnam’s Band of Brothers, it is a must read.” Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author
“Defiant is an astounding story that will
capture your heart and mind, proving once and for all that determination trumps
circumstance.” Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author
“An engaging account that focuses on about a dozen of the captives…Townley writes reverently of these POWs, whom he calls ‘American stalwarts,’ ‘defiant patriots,’ and ‘corralled incorrigibles.’”
Publishers Weekly
“If the suffering of American POWs at the hands of their Vietnamese captors was unimaginable, this audiobook goes some way to make that expeience vivid…The anguish of the POWs comes through in [Barrett’s] voice…Townley weaves a remarkably detailed account.” AudioFile
“Townley composes a complex historical narrative covering roughly 1965 to 1973, following two parallel elements: the experiences of POWs in the notorious ‘Hanoi Hilton,’contrasted with their families’ anguish and, more broadly, the American military’s declining fortunes in the conflict…An inspirational yet grueling read that demonstrates the price some paid for patriotism in a different era and another unpopular war.” Kirkus Reviews
