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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
While definitely a tale of rescuing a soldier in WWII who ran into dire straits, I wondered more if the main character would survive with all limbs intact than I did about him being caught by Nazis. Certainly more of a story of the remoteness of Northern Scandinavia than anything else. Reasonably entertaining, but not edge of your seat anything.
5/10
This is about a very difficult experience in WW2. I like that the author seemed to have interviewed many of the people involved. I ended up spacing out often and missing parts, but if you're into WW2 survival stories, you'll really like this.
This is about a very difficult experience in WW2. I like that the author seemed to have interviewed many of the people involved. I ended up spacing out often and missing parts, but if you're into WW2 survival stories, you'll really like this.
A true story that is almost too fantastic to be real and yet it is. It is a story of survival--a story of escape. Taking place in 1943, Jan Balsruud managed an escape that is mind boggling. Buried under snow for four days, as well as numerous other perils, this one will have you on the edge of your seat. If you love true historic tales, especially WWII era, you'll love this one.
Similar to Shackleton's tough voyage. It's amazing what man can actually endure
Great story of adventure and endurance during WWII. So many stories of compassionate strangers helping a man they didn't know and many who couldn't even communicate with him. An adventure classic, glad I read it.
slow-paced
This unusual escape narrative comes from a little known (here) part of World War II--the German occupation of Norway. The book tells the story of a bold yet ill-fated raid to occupied Norway. Launching from England, a small group of trained Norwegian commandos landed in isolated Northern Norway to connect with and activate the local resistance.
When the mission failed, one man, Jan Baalsrud, evaded initial capture and sought to escape. The Germans knew he remained at large and sought him vigorously.
The story has two points of view. First we see Jan's spirit and will to live tested under harsh arctic conditions in mountainous, blizzardy country. His persistence and positive spirit outside in the cold tests credulity. I found myself checking more than once that the story was a true story.
The other point of view focuses on the resistance members and families who protect Jan. This side too shows really strong spirit, community, and commitment to ideals. Germans thoroughly controlled the region yet little fighting had taken place in these small, remote towns. The war had limited reality there. And nearby Sweden remained stubbornly neutral.
Yet each town had a resistance group.They waited pretty much on hold and on call for more organized forces to activate them. That had been the mission of the commandos.
Once Jan appeared, and with minimal guidance from Norwegian forces in England, the local groups worked together to figure it all out. This became their moment to contribute to the war. And do so at tremendous risk to themselves and their families.
Jan clearly had unusual qualities. I would say we learn more about why towns people did what they did than about Jan himself. For me, both sides made the book worth the read.
If all you remember from history class was the Quisling collaborator government in Norway, then you have missed the widespread determination of Norwegians, as well as the Lapps in this remote territory. In this book, one sees people acting with everyday commitment and ideals that will surely inspire.
Written by historian David Howarth and introduced by Stephen Ambrose, I recommend the book.
When the mission failed, one man, Jan Baalsrud, evaded initial capture and sought to escape. The Germans knew he remained at large and sought him vigorously.
The story has two points of view. First we see Jan's spirit and will to live tested under harsh arctic conditions in mountainous, blizzardy country. His persistence and positive spirit outside in the cold tests credulity. I found myself checking more than once that the story was a true story.
The other point of view focuses on the resistance members and families who protect Jan. This side too shows really strong spirit, community, and commitment to ideals. Germans thoroughly controlled the region yet little fighting had taken place in these small, remote towns. The war had limited reality there. And nearby Sweden remained stubbornly neutral.
Yet each town had a resistance group.They waited pretty much on hold and on call for more organized forces to activate them. That had been the mission of the commandos.
Once Jan appeared, and with minimal guidance from Norwegian forces in England, the local groups worked together to figure it all out. This became their moment to contribute to the war. And do so at tremendous risk to themselves and their families.
Jan clearly had unusual qualities. I would say we learn more about why towns people did what they did than about Jan himself. For me, both sides made the book worth the read.
If all you remember from history class was the Quisling collaborator government in Norway, then you have missed the widespread determination of Norwegians, as well as the Lapps in this remote territory. In this book, one sees people acting with everyday commitment and ideals that will surely inspire.
Written by historian David Howarth and introduced by Stephen Ambrose, I recommend the book.
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
A riveting journey through an unforgiving time and place, We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance is a powerful testament to the indomitability of a community that shares a common goal.
The lengths to which so many people go for a longshot at rescuing a stranger make this one of the most heart-warming true accounts out there, and all written with the urgency of a great suspense novel.
A thrill ride to the end, this book is proof that real life can be better than fiction.
The lengths to which so many people go for a longshot at rescuing a stranger make this one of the most heart-warming true accounts out there, and all written with the urgency of a great suspense novel.
A thrill ride to the end, this book is proof that real life can be better than fiction.