First published in the shadow of a brutal conflict, Escape! A True Story of Betrayal and Survival by Aron Spilken recounts a harrowing personal journey through one of the darkest periods in Central American history-the outbreak of the Salvadoran Civil War in 1980. As political violence erupted and the country descended into chaos, Spilken's gripping account reveals the high stakes faced by those caught in the crossfire. More than just a tale of survival, this story is a powerful testament to human resilience, the cost of political betrayal, and the enduring will to escape oppression. In reintroducing this work to new readers, we honor both its historical relevance and its emotional truth. Escape! remains startlingly relevant. The riviting accounts of survival during the outbreak of El Salvador's Civil War in 1980 is often repeated and offers a sobering glimpse into a violent time in the history of the Americas-it resonates deeply in today's world, where political instability, civil conflict, and forced migration continue to uproot millions. From the streets of San Salvador to today's war-torn regions and refugee camps across the globe, the themes of betrayal, resilience, and moral courage speak powerfully to our present moment as s we confront modern crises of displacement and division, Escape! challenges us to see not just history, but humanity.