Book Review: Buried Alive by Roy Hallums

Imagine you are going about your business in a secure office building, about to have lunch, and all of a sudden you find yourself surrounded by men who mask and kidnap you! How would you feel this happened in a country where kidnapping was a booming business, where survival and rescue rate for victims were abysmally low?

Buried Alive is the story of Roy Hallums, who was a representing his company in post war Iraq. He had successfully worked in the Middle East for a number of years. One day he finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is kidnapped. For the next 311 days he is subjected to beatings, psychological torture and a confinement that would make most men insane. But Roy prevailed. To date he is the only American Contractor who has been rescued. 

His story is fascinating and told with great detail. Even though Roy talks about his, and his family’s despair, the story keeps a factual tone, thus keeping your interest alive. Roy talks about the observations and thoughts that went through his head while in captivity, yet he does not talk with the anger and prejudice he is entitled to.

After his recovery, Hallum was on 60 Minutes with Lesley Stahl. She seemed amazed that he could tell his story without any sign of post-trauma, and was sure he was ready "to crash" at any time, but he never did. That shows the true strength of the man, and it was fascinating to read what kept him going, and hopeful, during his captivity.

A must read, I would say. If nothing else, after reading this you'll feel better prepared to face adversity.