Means of Escape: A War Correspondent's Memoir of Life and Death in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Vietnam
Mar 2009 · Macmillan + ORM
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About this ebook
“A riveting memoir of years of living dangerously” by the journalist and New York Times–bestselling author of A Rumor of War (Kirkus Reviews).
As a journalist, Philip Caputo has covered many of the world’s troubles, and in Means of Escape, he reveals in moving and clear-eyed prose how he made himself into a writer, traveler, and observer with the nerve to put himself at the center of conflict. As a young reporter he investigated the Mafia in Chicago, earning acclaim as well as threats against his safety. Later, he rode camels through the desert and enjoyed Bedouin hospitality; was kidnapped and held captive by Islamic extremists; and was targeted and hit by sniper fire in Beirut; with memories of Vietnam never far from the surface. And after it all, he went into Afghanistan. Caputo’s goal has always been to bear witness to the crimes, ambitions, fears, ferocities, and hopes of humanity. With Means of Escape, he has done so. This powerful recounting of his life and adventures is now updated with a foreword that assesses the state of the world and the journalist’s art.
“An episodic, impressionistic, and dead-honest narrative that affords memorable as well as consequential insights into a chaotic era’s noteworthy conflicts.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This is, make no mistake about it, a startlingly honest and brutal book. . . . The writing is suberb. Highly recommended for all.” —Library Journal
“One of the few absolutely essential writers at work today.” —Robert Olen Butler, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Mr. Spaceman
As a journalist, Philip Caputo has covered many of the world’s troubles, and in Means of Escape, he reveals in moving and clear-eyed prose how he made himself into a writer, traveler, and observer with the nerve to put himself at the center of conflict. As a young reporter he investigated the Mafia in Chicago, earning acclaim as well as threats against his safety. Later, he rode camels through the desert and enjoyed Bedouin hospitality; was kidnapped and held captive by Islamic extremists; and was targeted and hit by sniper fire in Beirut; with memories of Vietnam never far from the surface. And after it all, he went into Afghanistan. Caputo’s goal has always been to bear witness to the crimes, ambitions, fears, ferocities, and hopes of humanity. With Means of Escape, he has done so. This powerful recounting of his life and adventures is now updated with a foreword that assesses the state of the world and the journalist’s art.
“An episodic, impressionistic, and dead-honest narrative that affords memorable as well as consequential insights into a chaotic era’s noteworthy conflicts.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This is, make no mistake about it, a startlingly honest and brutal book. . . . The writing is suberb. Highly recommended for all.” —Library Journal
“One of the few absolutely essential writers at work today.” —Robert Olen Butler, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Mr. Spaceman
Ratings and reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Justin P
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November 6, 2024
Interesting view of the life of a reporter, both overseas and domestic. Well written escaping life's boredom.
Robert A Wright
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July 9, 2019
Extremely well written. Full of reality.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Philip Caputo is the author of the New York Times bestseller A Rumor of War and the novels Indian Country, DelCorso's Gallery, and Horn of Africa. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972 as part of an investigative team for the Chicago Tribune, and his coverage of his experience as a captive of Palestinian guerrillas won him the Overseas Press Club's George Polk Citation.
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