A Hostage's Tale

Twenty-four hours ago, I pulled the package containing Buried Alive by Roy Hallums form my mailbox. I just finished reading it a few minutes ago. Hallums was working as a contractor in Baghdad when he was captured from his office one evening. In this book he details his nearly year-long captivity.


The conditions in which he was held were horrid. He lived on little food, faced countless beatings and existed in just a few cubic feet of space. During his stay, he described the numerous hostages that came to share his suffering, but then left as their ransoms were paid. Amazingly, the tone of the book is very positive. I was concerned that the book would be difficult to read emotionally. However, while he tells of his experience in a matter-of-fact way, Hallums does not describe the most horrific details. He maintains hope for his rescue by focusing on his family and asking God for signs.

The story ends with his dramatic rescue by the US Special Forces. I finished the book with grateful reflection upon the sacrifice and skill of our armed forces serving in Iraq. From cover to cover, you’ll find Hallums likeable and entertaining as he recounts his captivity and delights in his eventual freedom.