The Railway Man
Eric Lomax

Eric Lomax was a prisoner of war, forced to work on the Burma-Siam railway in 1943, and was tortured by the Japanese for making a crude radio. Fifty years later he met one of his torturers again. Lomax's story culminates in their reconciliation.

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This is one of the most powerful books I've ever read. While much has been written about the suffering of the men who were forced to build the railway, and the incredible ability of some men to survive it, I've not read much about the devastating emotional damage such an experience can leave.

Ultimately, it's about the healing power of forgiveness. I was howling by the end of this book, its impact amplified by the fact that I read it in the gorgeous gardens of the Home Phu Toey resort in Kanchanaburi, very close to where some of the book is set.

I've ordered a copy on your recommendation Gordon,Im sure it will be a moving story.
I remember in my very varied musical past,playing for some months in a northern wmc,where I meet some local characters one being Billy Winter ex japanesse POW working on the Death Railway as he called it.
Billy never divulged to much about his ordeal in the far east as the memory was to hard for him to talk about as he tearfully told me.
But on my last visit to Kanchanaburi at the War Grave's my thoughts went back to Billy Winter after seeing rows upon rows of possibily many of billy's comrades from the "Durham Light Infantry"

The thing that really got me in that cemetery was the ages on the headstones:- 18... 20 ...19 ... 19 .... 21 ..... etc, etc

A very moving recollection,throughout which Eric Lomax's dignity shines through.
A TV documentary has also been made about his reconciliation,which is no less emotive.

I too have ordered the book. I have never gotten around to visiting Kanchanaburi, I always mean to but seem to run out of time. Is it worth visiting? Pupay has been and says there is not too much there but I don't think the museum and cemetery would hold the same significance to her.

The bridge itself is........just a bridge, but with lot's of tourist shops! The ride on the railway is ok, with lots of spectacular views. The museum is pretty basic, but does give an idea of the life of the people who slaved on the railway. The cemetary is very moving, particularly when you see the ages on the memorials. Most of them between 19 and 23.

Yes, it's worth a visit.

There are actually two museums and cemeteries,both of which are immaculately kept and very tranquil places. After the town itself you could head north west towards Three Pagodas Pass on the Burmese border,this takes in Hellfire Pass(another memorial site where 70% of the POWs died cutting 1000 metre series of cuttings through the mountains) and the Sai Yok National Parks (the russian roulette scene from "The Deerhunter" was filmed here). Many waterfalls and swimming pools on a raft/boat trip.

Thanks
I'll definitely try to visit there on my next trip.

The 3 day/2 night trips from Bangkok through the usual agencies are decent value, the one we did gave you one night in Kanchanaburi itself, in a resort on an island in the middle of the river, and one night in one of the floating hotels upriver. Great boat rides, busy schedule.

If you have transport, and want a bit of luxury, I would THOROUGHLY recommend that Home Phu Toey place. Absolutely gorgeous set-up, owned by a lovely old gent who became a good friend of 'Weary' Dunlop and has a little museum there in homage to him.

Had to make a special visit to Kanchantaburi for my Mother who is now 91.
Her brother ( my uncle ) who i never met was last heard of in this area.
Searched both cemetaries but could not find him.
Chris and Samai

That must have been a harrowing and frustrating trip. If you ever get there again, or if you just want to try and ascertain where he is buried, this link may do the trick:

War dead database

I echo the comments on the book - a wonderful and moving read.

I believe that the Thai railways offer very cheap weekend excursions to Kanch.? Would seem an apropriate way to travel. They also do an annual festival at the bridge with steam trains etc..

Ian

Anyone looked at the database I mentioned earlier? It covers both wars and has a nice feature whereby if you find a record relating to your deceased relative, you can print out a simple memorial certificate with details of parents, rank, date and age of death and picture of a couple of wreaths at the Cenotaph or somesuch.

I found my mam's brother's details (died in '44) and printed her a certificate and she was made up.

Just finished this book and agree with earlier comments. Another book which is definitely worth a read.