To Tell the Truth: My Life as a Foreign Correspondent

Helluva Job is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Lewis M. Simons, recounting his 50-year career as a foreign correspondent, covering events such as the Vietnam War, Tiananmen Square massacre, and the fall of dictators in the Philippines and Thailand. Simons' reporting led to his expulsion from India and the saving of a Tibetan monk's life. The book offers a masterful chronicle of war, poverty, suffering, wealth, and corruption, providing a real-life perspective on historic events that escaped the scrutiny of other journalists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Helluva Job is a captivating memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lewis M. Simons, spanning his remarkable 50-year career as a foreign correspondent. Through his powerful storytelling, Simons played a pivotal role in transforming Asia from a war-ravaged region to a thriving global powerhouse that rivals the United States. His relentless pursuit of truth and his fearless reporting led to significant events such as the overthrow of a dictator in the Philippines, the coverage of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China, the aftermath of bloody coups in Thailand, the tragic events of attempted genocide and societal collapse in Cambodia, and the economic fluctuations in Japan.

Simons' commitment to his craft extended beyond mere reporting, as he risked his own safety to save the life of a dying teenage Tibetan Buddhist monk. His experiences in the field were fraught with danger and hardship, often accompanied by his camp-following family. Despite the challenges, Simons managed to craft a masterful chronicle that vividly portrays war, murder, extreme poverty, suffering, repellent wealth, and ruling-class corruption. His unique perspective and deep insights into the complexities of international affairs have earned him a devoted readership, particularly those who appreciate the art of real-life historic drama.

In conclusion, Helluva Job is a remarkable testament to the power of journalism and the indomitable spirit of a fearless correspondent. Lewis M. Simons' unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to telling the truth have left an enduring impact on the world, shaping the narrative of Asia's transformation and inspiring future generations of journalists.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 232 x 160 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538173169