The Prisoner’s Cross is a work of fiction in the Christian and historical subgenres. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Peter B. Unger. Inspired by real events, the book recalls the journal of a soldier being held in one of the Japanese POW camps in the Second World War, in particular, a miracle witnessed by the prisoners that gave them solace in their faith during their difficult time in captivity. The book follows one of these soldiers who uses his experiences to guide him as he seeks to rebuild the faith of a young man he meets.

Inspired by a real-life miracle that took place, this book is a compelling and heartfelt account of faith in the real world. Using the device of Don Campbell, a student whose faith is failing him when he is shown the experiences of someone who survived the war in a POW camp, was an excellent way of exploring the ways that our faith can touch and shape our lives as we live them. Author Peter B. Unger has created a deeply relatable character in Don, one who struggles with things he feels he should not struggle with, and in doing so gives the story a beautiful grounding that makes it accessible to all readers, regardless of what stage they are in on their journey of faith. Overall, The Prisoner’s Cross is a dynamic and moving exploration of faith, what it can bring to us and what we need to do to get ourselves back on track when it wavers.

The Prisoner's Cross by Peter B. Unger is a work of Christian historical fiction. The book is about his father’s experience in the Japanese WW2 prisoner of war camps. But before readers get to that part of the book, Unger describes the protagonist Don's early struggles with his religious faith, especially after a family tragedy. This recounting becomes pivotal to later events. Unger had access to a journal his father kept while a prisoner in the camps. It describes the brutal conditions in the camp, but also how the prisoners dealt with their terrible circumstances. Unger says the prisoners’ spirit helped improve their quality of life and survival rates. The book is based on real events and individuals, although names have been fictionalized. Unger says he wrote it to honor his father and the powerful influence he had on fellow prisoners.

The Prisoner's Cross by Peter B. Unger has something for everyone. No matter if readers are Christians, seekers of religious faith, or former Christians, they’ll find Don’s questions and internal battles of interest. And everyone should know about conditions in the Japanese WW2 prisoner of war camps. The Japanese camps are less well known than their German counterparts, but the situation was no less horrifying. Yet the prisoners showed enormous courage and fortitude. Many continued to practice their faith in the most difficult of circumstances. Their spirit and bravery will inspire readers and encourage them in their own beliefs. This book is ultimately a recounting of triumph over tragedy.