Five Years to Freedom Audiobook By James N. Rowe cover art

Five Years to Freedom

The True Story of a Vietnam POW

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Five Years to Freedom

By: James N. Rowe
Narrated by: Reathel Bean
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When Green Beret Lieutenant James N. Rowe was captured in 1963 in Vietnam, his life became more than a matter of staying alive.

In a Vietcong POW camp, Rowe endured beri-beri, dysentery, and tropical fungus diseases. He suffered grueling psychological and physical torment. He experienced the loneliness and frustration of watching his friends die. And he struggled every day to maintain faith in himself as a soldier and in his country as it appeared to be turning against him.

His survival is testimony to the disciplined human spirit.

His story is gripping.

©1971 James N. Rowe (P)2003 Random House Audio 20th Century Military Military & War Modern Vietnam War Wars & Conflicts

Critic reviews

"The Most Important Book Ever Written About The Vietnam Experience. The people of the United States can be immensely proud of Nick Rowe and Americans like him who have resisted and survived the worst abuse a brutal enemy could visit upon us." (Robin Moore)

"If you can read this story and not weep, you are inhuman." (The Cincinnati Post)
Remarkable Story • Inspiring Courage • Nice Voice • Incredible Endurance • Touching Narrative • Valuable Insights
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A quick read, this personal narrative is clear and unashamed of the brutal realities experienced by POWs in Vietnam. It makes one consider what they might do if confronted with circumstances of confinement or helplessness.

James “Nick” Rowe eventually escaped, and was instrumental in developing the modern Army Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) school. His concepts of philosophical stoicism, faith, resistance, endurance are worthy of consideration and understanding, and this narrative is useful in understanding his motivations and development of concepts.

Good, fast read

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I offer my highest recommendation of Five Years to Freedom to any student / Soldier / Aviator prior to SERE school.

The story of then MAJ Rowe offers an insight into the life of a POW. The story demonstrates the the ebbs and flow of the life as a POW, and maintaining mental strength, trust in yourself, your partners, and your country. All at the same time, abiding to the Code of Conduct.

The ending to the story is remarkable and is worth the suspense created throughout the book. The story truly reminds you the importance of the POW / MIA flag. Airborne.

Pre SERE Reading

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I enjoy listening to war stories just because I can listen to want they went through but will never truly understand. Any survivor of any war has a story to tell. Some books that I've read and listened to though seem to drag on sometimes. This one was short and to the point. The feeling I had at the ending was still the same after a 10 or 15 hour long book. This book was recommended to me by a friend and I would recommend it to others.

Quick Meaningful Listen

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The sacrifices made by men such as Nick Rowe who served honorably in our countries military for his and our freedom must be passed on to the next generation!

Must read for all in the military & high school!

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If you could sum up Five Years to Freedom in three words, what would they be?

short story, but amazing all the same. Tells the very personal journey of men in captivity and changed the way the military approaches training for captured personnel.

Incredible story

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I was completely enamoured with this Audible. It was everything you could want in a book. Maps of the area and camps would have added to the enjoyment, but that doesn't happen with audio books. Well worth the listen.

Brought a tear to my eyes

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The true story of Nick Rowe's 5 years as a Viet Cong POW will keep you reading non-stop. It's one of those tales of courage and hope that you pray ends well.

Absolutely Engaging.

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I recently wanted to read this book and do a report on it. Had a hard copy of the book but it's easier for me to use audio books to find time to read so I got it on here. little did I know that the real book is 10 chapters and the audio book is 5, they didn't cut out whole chapters but rather just picked what they wanted to omit. I would say about 50% of the real book is ready here. You still get most of the important information but the entire book is still much better.

The audio book is only half of the real book

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Enjoyed listening to this story of a true hero. SERE training is based on Rowe’s experience.

Excellent

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Nick would randomly recall to me few of his thoughts of his time in captivity. Hearing these words now, bring a tear to my eye. He is greatly missed by so many.

My neighbor and friend

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