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4.49k reviews for:
Unbroken (Movie Tie-in Edition): A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Laura Hillenbrand, Laura Hillenbrand
4.44 AVERAGE
4.49k reviews for:
Unbroken (Movie Tie-in Edition): A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Laura Hillenbrand, Laura Hillenbrand
4.44 AVERAGE
We listened to this on CD as we drove to and from AZ. It was fascinating, seriously! I had no idea that Japan was so evil during WWII. And I had not clue that anyone could survive so much...crashing a plane into the ocean, being stranded in the ocean for over a month with little food or water and shark attacks galore, interrogation camps, POW camp after POW camp....incredible story. I also have to add that the running at the beginning of the story was quite amazing this guy was a natural athlete.
Loved the added information to explain what historically was going on with the war, at home, in other countries, etc.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that I felt some of it got really long. They truly did not leave out a detail, but at times it drove me nuts---especially the sharks!
Loved the added information to explain what historically was going on with the war, at home, in other countries, etc.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that I felt some of it got really long. They truly did not leave out a detail, but at times it drove me nuts---especially the sharks!
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
While the focus of this book is Louis Zamperini, Laura touches on a slew of other issues that arose during Louis's lifetime, particularly his early years. The War stories don't start until a bit later in the book, but getting know Louie from his childhood years to his stint at the Berlin Olympics definitely informed and improved the experience of reading about what he had to go through. This isn't really a story of epic greatness or some incredible feat in the traditional sense, but Laura writes in such a way that you come to believe mere survival becomes both of those things. Louie's story might not inspire the kind of awe that makes you want to do what he does, but it does inspire the kind of awe that makes you reflect on your own life and all that you really have.
Also, I think Laura was able to treat this topic very even-handedly. With a tricky subject like the Japanese treatment of POWs, I always felt like she was merely stating facts, rather than giving her own opinions and assertions. She also was attentive in writing about notable Japanese who were kind to the POWs and gives cultural background that adds dimension to the actions of the Japanese soldiers and guards.
The book seemed a bit long to me, but I think most of it had to do with the fact that I had to read it in short spurts and I'm used to pummeling through books in two days' time. The pace itself was perfect in my opinion. Laura does go to great lengths to explain certain military knowledge which I often skimmed, but her story-telling skills are definitely noteworthy.
Also, I think Laura was able to treat this topic very even-handedly. With a tricky subject like the Japanese treatment of POWs, I always felt like she was merely stating facts, rather than giving her own opinions and assertions. She also was attentive in writing about notable Japanese who were kind to the POWs and gives cultural background that adds dimension to the actions of the Japanese soldiers and guards.
The book seemed a bit long to me, but I think most of it had to do with the fact that I had to read it in short spurts and I'm used to pummeling through books in two days' time. The pace itself was perfect in my opinion. Laura does go to great lengths to explain certain military knowledge which I often skimmed, but her story-telling skills are definitely noteworthy.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
"On Kwajalein, Louie and Phil learned a dark truth known to the doomed in Hitler's death camps, the slaves of the American South, and a hundred other generations of betrayed people. Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food, and oxygen. The stubborn retention of it, even in the face of extreme physical hardship can hold a man's should in his body long past the point at which the body should have surrendered it. The loss of it can carry a man off as surely as thirst, hunger, exposure, and asphyxiation, and with a greater cruelty." (Page 183)
Probably one of the best books I read all year. Such an amazing story and I learned a lot about POW's in WWII.
This book was absolutely amazing. A one of a kind that I would recommend to enyone to read. It wasn't one that I would go around saying " I loved it" but one that has taught me much and informed me of the many horrors and miricles that happened during WW2. It is suspenseful, inspiring, and heartbreaking. A one time read but one that you will never forget!
A riveting tale of WWII survival and triumph of the human spirit. Hillenbrand is a master of language and detail. You won't be able to put it down for a single second. Pick it up now.
What a story. All those hyperbolic blurbs on the back cover? Accurate.