This is a harrowing and moving account by an English couple who volunteered to help out at a children’s centre in Grozny, Chechnya, and who were kidnapped and incarcerated for fourteen months. They underwent torture, both physical and mental, rape and constant threats of execution. They came through these experiences by using survival techniques like yoga, tai-chi, meditation and prayer. In the end the power of love triumphed, they were released and they forgave their captors. The story (which was a Book of the Week on Radio 4 in 2008) reveals the strength and compassion that can come out of conflict and suffering. In spite of the painful details, this is essentially a positive and inspiring book.