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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I've been wanting to learn more about the Nazi occupation in Norway so this book fit the bill. I've also skiied in the vicinity of the setting so that was neat to compare on the map. Good story. Despite the title, it will make you feel good about humanity.
A Miracle
It's a miracle this man survived. This was a fascinating story about survival. It's amazing what this man went through.
It's a miracle this man survived. This was a fascinating story about survival. It's amazing what this man went through.
Wow! An amazing story of survival and perseverance during WWII. For weeks to come, I will think of Jan Baalsrud every time I think I am cold, hungry or just having a bad day. Not as well written as Unbroken, but a spellbinding story just the same.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
We Die Alone popped up on my Goodreads recommendation page. Although I have been somewhat burnt out on WWII stories, I was still intrigued by this book. I love survival stories particularly true ones. We Die Alone is the incredible true story of a man not only evading the Nazis but also surviving in the harsh mountains of Norway. But it goes beyond one man's tenacity and looks at the inspiring way that communities came together to do what they could against the enemies occupying their homeland.
Don't let the fatalistic title fool you. Despite how utterly depressing the name sounds, this is in fact an uplifting, touching story. I am at a loss as to why they picked that title. The whole time I was reading it, I kept looking for some quote that would explain the title, but I did not find any. All I can do is reiterate that people should not let the title dissuade them from reading this book! It is a short book and a quick read. Although given the small font and small margins, I'd say that if it was reset with a modern print type it would probably be closer to a normal length book.
The reason I did not give this five stars outright is due to a couple little things. At times the author seems to be trying to shelter the reader from the atrocities of war. Perhaps this was due to the book being written shortly after the war when those memories were still so fresh in many minds. But it was irksome when Howarth would say something to the affect of "And then the Nazis did something so atrocious that it should not be repeated to moral people." I am paraphrasing obviously, but that was the affect. There were also a couple of times that Howarth stepped into the story to moralize on people's actions thus breaking the cardinal rule of keeping personal opinions out of biographies. However, there were only a couple of instances of this. Overall, the book was well-written and poignant. It is a shame that this book is now mostly unknown to modern readers.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Emotional Level: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 5 Stars
Attention to Detail: 5 Stars
Objectiveness: 4 Stars
Don't let the fatalistic title fool you. Despite how utterly depressing the name sounds, this is in fact an uplifting, touching story. I am at a loss as to why they picked that title. The whole time I was reading it, I kept looking for some quote that would explain the title, but I did not find any. All I can do is reiterate that people should not let the title dissuade them from reading this book! It is a short book and a quick read. Although given the small font and small margins, I'd say that if it was reset with a modern print type it would probably be closer to a normal length book.
The reason I did not give this five stars outright is due to a couple little things. At times the author seems to be trying to shelter the reader from the atrocities of war. Perhaps this was due to the book being written shortly after the war when those memories were still so fresh in many minds. But it was irksome when Howarth would say something to the affect of "And then the Nazis did something so atrocious that it should not be repeated to moral people." I am paraphrasing obviously, but that was the affect. There were also a couple of times that Howarth stepped into the story to moralize on people's actions thus breaking the cardinal rule of keeping personal opinions out of biographies. However, there were only a couple of instances of this. Overall, the book was well-written and poignant. It is a shame that this book is now mostly unknown to modern readers.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Emotional Level: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 5 Stars
Attention to Detail: 5 Stars
Objectiveness: 4 Stars
While to story was interesting and full of adventure, I was often confused by the Norwegian names and locations. I listened to the audiobook and that could have led to my confusion. Also, the narrator's voice was incredibly dull...
Crazy story about the will to survive and the selflessness of a small group of Norwegian resistance.
This book was excellent. It is the story of a secret agent who is helped out of Nazi occupied Norway after he is severely injured and crippled.
It was occasionally an unbelievable story, but overall very good. I gave it four stars because the middle part dragged some, but I would recommend this to anyone interested in small villages outwitting the Nazis.
Happy Reading.
It was occasionally an unbelievable story, but overall very good. I gave it four stars because the middle part dragged some, but I would recommend this to anyone interested in small villages outwitting the Nazis.
Happy Reading.
Ebook - 4.0. Incredible story of survival, as well as the unbelievable goodness of those that risked the lives of themselves, their families and others to save one man. Not the best writing but worth the read, anyway.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
In my opinion there was not enough substance to justify a book. I think the story would have been better suited for a long magazine piece. Too much of the book is occupied with Jan lying helpless on his back. Although this is true to the story, it also made for slow reading.