Unbroken

A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best seller

The incredible true story of survival and salvation that is the basis for two major motion pictures: 2014’s Unbroken and the upcoming Unbroken: Path to Redemption.

On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.

The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.

Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.

In her long-awaited book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit. Telling an unforgettable story of a man’s journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.

©2010 Laura Hillenbrand; 2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Unbroken is wonderful twice over, for the tale it tells and for the way it’s told. A better book than Seabiscuit, it manages maximum velocity with no loss of subtlety. [Hillenbrand has] a jeweler’s eye for a detail that makes a story live." (Newsweek)

"A master class in narrative storytelling.... Extraordinarily moving...A powerfully drawn survival epic." (The Wall Street Journal)

"Ambitious and powerful.... Hillenbrand is intelligent and restrained, and wise enough to let the story unfold for itself. Her research is thorough, her writing crystalline. Unbroken is gripping in an almost cinematic way." (The New York Times Book Review)

“[A] one-in-a-billion story...designed to wrench from self-respecting critics all the blurby adjectives we normally try to avoid: It is amazing, unforgettable, gripping, harrowing, chilling, and inspiring.” (New York)

“Staggering...mesmerizing...Hillenbrand’s writing is so ferociously cinematic, the events she describes so incredible, you don’t dare take your eyes off the page.” (People)

“A meticulous, soaring and beautifully written account of an extraordinary life.” (The Washington Post)

“Hillenbrand...tells [this] story with cool elegance but at a thrilling sprinter’s pace.” (Time)

“Unbroken is too much book to hope for: a hellride of a story in the grip of the one writer who can handle it.” (Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run)

Beautifully read and crafted story.

The narrator was superb! Beautifully read and crafted story. Very inspiring and never got boring.

A wonderful story

Having not seen the movie I was intrigued by the constantly evolving story and couldn't believe that this was non-fiction. The life of Louie is truly remarkable. The story is well told and addictive. This book will not disappoint.

life changing. inspirational.

my husband and I listened to this book for an hour each day. I looked forward to it, and thought about it constantly.

Most Inspiring Book I've Ever Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Unbroken to be better than the print version?

I have both the print and audible versions and I'm glad I have both. I prefer to listen mostly to books now, because I have the time to listen to them to and from work. I'm back in the "reading mode" I once was in a long time ago. The print version is nice because of the pictures it has and I've found them to be very meaningful to me. The audible version is still my favorite.

What other book might you compare Unbroken to and why?

I've never read a story about a man that comes close to what Louis Zamperini went through from his early life to his later years. The Passion of Christ comes to mind.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

First and foremost Mr. Herrmann has a great voice and he just provides a wonderful listening experience. Mr. Herrmann's voice inflections are spot on throughout the book and I found myself not wanting it to end. I'm so glad Mr. Zamperini lead a long life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Just what's on the cover: Survival, Resilience and Redemption. Three words that sum the book and the man Mr. Zamperini himself perfectly.

Any additional comments?

I've never been so inspired by a book in my life. I'm so glad I read it and got to know Mr. Zamperini and the other great men in "Unbroken". Thank you for your service.

A must read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to a friend because it is a powerful example of how a strong and resilient mind can overcome the worst situations life can throw at you.

What did you like best about this story?

The one and only way he found he could conquer the terrible Post Traumatic Stress Stress Disorder.

Which character – as performed by Edward Herrmann – was your favorite?

Louis Zamperini

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The ending made me tear up, both seeing Louis fighting his battles at home and the ultimate resolution.

Any additional comments?

If only everyone would be able to acknowledge their weaknesses and make the right choice at the right time.

A MUST! Period.

Would you consider the audio edition of Unbroken to be better than the print version?

I don't have time to read the print versions. I love the audio version because allows me to immerse myself in the story, even if I am doing other things, like knitting or cleaning house.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unbroken?

The best moments were near the end when the planes were flying over the camps and dropping food to the prisoners. (I don't want to give away anything).

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wow, what can I say? Edward Herrmann is a winner all around. I think he could read mortgage paperwork and be interesting. What a joy to listen to a book told by not only a familiar voice, but one that is so commanding you can practically feel like you are in a movie.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I have never read a book that made me feel as many emotions as this one did. Sadness, fear, joy and sorrow. I also never read a book that literally made me cry. This was full of those moments, sometimes in the same page!

Any additional comments?

If you happened to watch the movie first, please try this version. The movie version was awful. The acting was subpar and the emotion just wasn't there. The writing in the book is superb and makes you feel like you are really there.

Awesome!

A must read! A Powerful understanding of what all American POW’s from every theater of War have had to endure.
A tribute to those who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom and make American the Great Country it is!

Awesome

Very historic and amazing story of grit during WWII and beyond. Triumph of the human spirit. Excellent narration.

Should be required reading.

Graphic yet uplifting story of grit, determination, and hope. The true story of a survivor and his many harrowing days as a downed airman and POW during WWII.

Incredible

I couldn’t stop listening, was absolutely captivated by both the horrors he endured, and the person he was.