Some Other Rainbow - John McCarthy > Reviews (2)

Some other Rainbow is the story of the capture of John McCarthy and the endeavours made by Jill Morrell to ensure his release.

The book begins with John and Jill's blossoming friendship,together with some background details regarding both their careers. John and Jill work together as journalists in a television studio and the initial chapters cover a normal everyday tale of friendship turning into love, until the day that John is sent on an assignment to Beirut during the troubles there.

He is about to return home and indeed is on his way, when he is captured en route to the airport and taken hostage. The book continues with the story of his incarceration, the cruelty and torture he encountered together with one or two small acts of kindness shown to him by the occasional guard.

The following chapters give Jill's account, including her reaction to the news, her determination that he should not be forgotten and the efforts she makes to ensure this. Her bravery in dealing with often pompous and uncaring people is amazing. She was prepared to take on whoever and whatever to ensure efforts were made to release John and that he is not forgotten as time passes and the news story grows cold. She goes on to tell of her fears, her worries and her despair throughout that time and later in the book her joy coupled with her despair at meeting John again when she knows she has been changed so much by the experience.

Alongside this there is John's account of his imprisonment. He tells of his meeting and friendship with Brian Keenan of how they keep each other's spirits up and support one another throughout the ordeal. John also tells of his vague dislike of Terry Waite who he finds irritating and pompous. It details the horrendous conditions in the prisons where they are kept and their hopes and fears everytime they are moved to other prisons by their tormentors.

The story ends of course with John's eventual release and both John and Jill give an account of their feelings at the time.

I've merely given a brief outline of the story as it would be a shame to spoil it for others.The book is full of small anecdotes, funny occasions as well as sad ones. It covers the experience of Sunnie Mann and her husband who were similarly taken capture and gives an account of their bravery also.

Most of all it is a book about human spirit, determination and courage. It details human beings reactions to adversity and makes compelling reading.

John and Jill's tale is overall an amazing love story and it is so sad that eventually that love faded.

An amazing book to read - certainly one I found hard to put down. It is a story that should enthrall both men and women and I would certainly recommend it to all.