Expert: Susan Rand - 12/14/2006

Question
My dad once read a book in 1965 or 1966 that he really enjoyed, but because he was in the hospital (and on lots of drugs) while recovering from a major injury, he can't remember the title or author. Plus, he was 12 or 13 at the time. This was in Holland, but he says it was translated to Dutch from English. It was at least a few years old at the time. It was about a group of people stranded on a mountain after a plane crash, but for some reason the government of the area (a small third world type of country) doesn't want these people saved, and goes after them with, among other things, a F86 Saber fighter plane. I really hope you can help me, or point me in the direction of somebody who can, because he's been trying to find this book ever since this time.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello Belinda:

You didn't say whether the book is fiction or non-fiction, and it does make a difference when trying to search for it. I suspect it is fiction, perhaps based on a real incident, because it's pretty implausible that a government would go after plane crash survivors with a fighter plane.

A group of plane crash survivors spent 72 days trapped in the Andes - the book is ALIVE by Piers Paul Reed, but that is definitely non-fiction, and does not feature any fighter planes. FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX is another one, still in print. Read about it here: http://www.buy.com/prod/flight-of-the-phoenix-behind-enemy-lines/q/loc/322/40725... (You will have to cut and paste as this site does not support hyperlinks).

This is way beyond my expertise but I thought I'd give it a try. You can google "Find a book" to find more help.

It would help greatly if your father could remember more about the book, including some keywords you might try.

I hope this helps. If it does, a nice rating would be greatly appreciated. I am proud of my high score over 850 questions.

And good luck with your search!