“[A] remarkable story….An honest and harrowing memoir of a life-changing ordeal.” —Arizona Republic
The spellbinding New York Times bestseller, Out of Captivity is the amazing true story of Marc Gonsalves, Tom Howes, and Keith Stansell, three American civilian contractors who were held hostage by the FARC rebel group in Colombia for five and a half years. Written with Gary Brozek, this book is an astonishing tale of unbelievable hardship and indomitable will—an “action-packed” (Time magazine) real-life adventure that stands with Alive by Piers Paul Read, Norman Ollestad’s Crazy for the Storm, and other classic true stories of survival.
This historical and political autobiography sheds light on the volatile conflict in Colombia that has stretched over the last half century, revealing the details of the horrific treatment and experiences of three American captives at the hands of the FARC.
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"This harrowing account from 3 Americans--Marc, Tom, and Keith--who were held hostage by FARC in Columbia will leave you thankful for your mundane life. The three were part of a team that was doing survellience work, the book starts with their plane crashing in the jungle where they immediately find themselves under machine gun fire by the FARC. The 3 are seperated from the others (who didn't make it out) and so starts their journey of forced marches, hellish camps, and abuse by their captors--and surprisingly other hostages as well. Their account is straightforward, honest, and full of enough details to make me grateful for the safely of my everyday life. It is a powerful tale of survival, I highly recommend it to fans of survival stories or anyone who has an interest in International culture/politics."
— Deb (4 out of 5 stars)
" Good, very sad and honest. "
— Yneleal, 2/17/2014" Really hard to read at times because of the subject matter. I've been to Colombia, although not these parts, and it's a great reminder to respect foreign countries. "
— Matt, 2/7/2014" I love that each of them had their own voice and their own personal experiences. I'm just so glad they're home and that since then so many FARC leaders have been captured or killed. "
— Allison, 2/6/2014" This is what I loved about this book: the authors are not interested in public service in Colombia. There are a million pages written about kidnapped people; but they always want something back: a vote. Here are these three guys that only want to tell the world what happened to them and how they survived. I loved the story and the fact that they are neutral to the Colombian conflict. "
— Ariadna73, 1/24/2014" Apart from many portions seeming like a motorcycle ad, this book was very well done. "
— Bug!, 1/22/2014" An EXCELLENT book! Had my attention from begining to end! Very well written! "
— Amy, 1/19/2014" Great story of three American contractors held hostage by the Colombian FARC for over 5 years. Each takes turns with the narrative...their voices are not as distinct as their personalities must actually be, but the story is riveting. Revealing about Ingrid Betancourt...what a piece of work she is! "
— Jill, 1/18/2014" Amazing how they survived with their minds and bodies in tact. I'm proud that they represented the USA in everything they did and did not do during this long challenging ordeal. Thank you for sharing your story! "
— Cheye-Anne, 1/18/2014" It's written plainly which makes it an easy/quick read. I think the style of three voices is done very well. I found the book both educational and interesting. "
— Kara, 1/6/2014" Great book but hastily wrote. More effort could have gone into painting the picture by adding more details. Nonetheless, accurate description from their point of view and we are all glad they have returned. "
— Raymond, 1/5/2014" The story of 3 American contractors held captive for 5 years by the FARC in Colombia and their faith that someday they would return to the US. "
— Medic, 1/3/2014" Wow! Having visited Colombia several times, I am at awe with this story. Well written, this book is very raw at times and holds nothing back. Anyone who has romantic notions of the FARC will be in for a disappointment. "
— Craig, 12/29/2013" Stopped reading it when a newborn baby was taken away from one of the prisoners and it just went downhill from there. I thought it was going to be inspiring. "
— Kasha, 12/12/2013" Interesting story of the three drug agents that went down in Columbia and the minds and views on Americans by third-world cultures. "
— Clint, 11/17/2013" Great book. True story about survivors of a plane wreck in Columbia, who are captured by the FARC and held as hostages for ransom for over 5 years. Puts some perspective on things, whats really important in life and what isnt. "
— Bryan, 7/24/2013" 3.5 stars. (This was a loooong book, too long in my opinion.) The authors (the former hostages) are just regular guys so the depth and quality of their writing was surprising. I know there was a professional author helping them out, but he seemed to take a pretty light hand in editing their story. "
— Bridget, 5/17/2013" Non-fiction - fascinating book - these guys were just rescued about one year ago, so it is very contemporary. An amazing story of survival and I learned a huge amt of info about politics in C.A. & the US. "
— Neumann, 5/10/2013" Very male perspective after reading Ingrid Betancourt's book. Often could not distinguish among the three male voices. Interesting but not great. "
— Beth, 3/17/2013" Unknown by many, given up for lost most who remembered, but never forgotten by those who kept the faith and secured their rescue...an epic tale of survival and hope realized against seemingly insurmountable odds! "
— Dave, 2/3/2013" A well written book that illustrates the true savagry of the FARC. Hard to believe they were prisoners for so many years. Glad they are free and trying to rebuild their lives now. "
— Beth, 6/27/2012" This was a great book! I cant belive what they went through it was a little slow at times but worth it anyways. "
— Kendra, 5/17/2011" This book gives us a glimpse into the unimaginable world of a group of captives in the Colombian jungle. <br/>It is a good study of group dynamics under stress. "
— Jo-ann, 4/15/2011" This book was almost 500 pages & as you can tell by the title, it certainly wasn't a light, fluffy read. (I definitely got some looks sitting in my lounge chair on vacation with this one!!) These guys were held in captivity for almost five years. Their strength is absolutely amazing. "
— Tina, 4/1/2011" Good, very sad and honest. "
— Yneleal, 2/15/2011" After reading Ingrid Betancourt's books I enjoyed the perspective shift in this one as told by three American men...those poor families and children who were without there fathers...it is sickening to think about! "
— Stephanie, 1/26/2011" Interesting, until I got the feeling the author was going to recount all 1,967 days in the jungle individually. Also, the point of view changed too often for me to keep all of the individuals straight in my mind. Wouldn't really recommend this book. "
— Saundra, 12/28/2010" For some reason I have been reading a lot of true survival, trimuph over evil books. This one was very good. I'm planning to read the book by Ingrid Betancourt who was held captive during the same time period. "
— Gay, 12/24/2010" eBook- Too much of an "as told to" type book. The best parts of the book are the parts that deal with Ingrid Betancourt; her book "Even Silence Has an End" is a much better read, even though she is such a flawed individual. "
— David, 12/5/2010" Wow! Having visited Colombia several times, I am at awe with this story. Well written, this book is very raw at times and holds nothing back. Anyone who has romantic notions of the FARC will be in for a disappointment. "
— Craig, 12/2/2010" Interesting, esp'ly re: dynamics amongst hostages. Informative, too. But, <br/>1. The authors are not professional writers. <br/>2. They are describing being in captivity for 5 years. "
— Glenn, 12/1/2010Marc Gonsalves is a former member of the United States Air Force who worked as a civilian military contractor for four years before the crash. He has a daughter, Destiney, and two stepsons, Cody and Joey. He lives in Connecticut.
Gary Brozek has coauthored and ghostwritten nearly twenty books, including four New York Times bestsellers.
Mark Deakins is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator and actor whose television appearances include Head Case, Star Trek: Voyager, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His film credits include Intervention, Star Trek: Insurrection, and The Devil’s Advocate. He wrote, directed, and produced the short film The Smith Interviews.