Von Ryan's Return

Most people reading this review will probably be familiar with the 1965 film starring Frank Sinatra, Von Ryan's Express. The book by David Westheimer is completely different. Therefore, the book sequel is also very different. In the film, (SPOILER WARNING) Frank Sinatra's Ryan dies, however in the book he survives. (SPOILER END) Therefore film viewers can very well ask, "How can they have Von Ryan's Return?" While fans of the book, will already know. The book is fairly average, spending approximately 20 pages filling us in on the events of the first book before getting into action. The characters are interesting if not fairly one dimensional, but who cares. There is plenty of action and wise-cracking dialogue... At least at the same level as the first book, if not as the film. Recommended for action fans.