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Defiant Courage  By  cover art

Defiant Courage

By: Astrid Karlson Scott,Tore Haug
Narrated by: Peter Altschuler
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Editorial reviews

Some listeners might already be familiar with this amazing true story of survival during World War II. But even armed with the general knowledge of Jan Baalsrud’s escape from the Nazis into Arctic Norway after a failed sabotage operation, nothing compares to listening to this incredible tale as it unfolds moment by moment.

Peter Altshuler performs the diligently researched Defiant Courage with a keen ear not only for Norwegian names but also for texturizing and adding life to a story. Not that the story needs much embellishment. At one point in his escape, Baalsrud had been buried under an avalanche, had amputated nine of his toes, and was snow blind. His unlikely survival remains one of the great stories of World War II.

Publisher's summary

In late March of 1943, four commandos arrive in northern Norway with a mission of establishing a base for sabotage operations. Before they can unload their cutter, they are betrayed, as a German Schnell boat arrives and turns the quiet fjord into a battle zone. Only one man, Jan Baalsrud, surrvives the attack. This is the story of his perilous journey to freedom.

Wounded, the dauntless soldier swims icy fjord waters, climbs snow-laden granite peaks, endures violent snowstorms and is hurled off a mountain by an avalanche. Fleeing the Gestapo and battling the harsh Arctic cold, Jan suffers snowblindness and frostbite. Though he possesses raw courage and an iron will, they are not enough to deliver him all the way to neutral Sweden and safety.

The people of northern Norway's Troms district step forward to assist Jan. Selflessly defying Nazi dictates, more than 60 people risk their lives to help the fugitive commando.

©2010 Astrid Karlsen Scott and Dr. Tore Haug (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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What listeners say about Defiant Courage

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GOOD STORY THAT'S JUST TOO LONG

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would shorten it. The story is a compelling and interesting one. However, there's too much unnecessary information which adds nothing. Also the dialogue is contrived and written as if this is a fiction novel rather than a true account.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The heroic survivor Jans Baalsrud. His courage and faith was incredible.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Peter Altschuler?

Maybe. However, I didn't like him in this work because his tone is too cavalier, almost as if he's reading a fairy tale like "Hansel and Gretel" to a group of transfixed school children.

Any additional comments?

Overall, this was a great inspiring story of courage under the worst conditions ever. An abridged version would keep the listener engaged. In the hard copy, at least one can scan through and/or skip irrelevant pages.

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6 people found this helpful

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Excellent, old-school story

The tone of this book reminded me of 1950s America, before Nam and endless scandals stole our innocence.

The subject matter is first rate. The heroic soldier certainly inspired me not to whine about my little physical problems. I’ve been recommending this one to everyone I know who uses Audible.

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2 people found this helpful

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SIMPLY AMAZING!

It's hard to believe what people went through during the war. They truly are the greatest generation.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping story of courage and love

What a powerful story of courage... so thoroughly researched and artfully crafted. I had a difficult time putting it down. For days I lived and dreamed the story I had listened to. Captivating.

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1 person found this helpful

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The Courage of a Community to Rescue One Man

This is a great story and Audible has done another outstanding job with the audio version of this book.

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1 person found this helpful

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Outstanding

A testament to Norwegian character and courage of the Norwegian people. A must read for all.

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1 person found this helpful

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Norwegian’s

I love this story. It’s different than the movie that has the title the 12th man. I am Norwegian, and whenever I feel like I am failing, don’t have the omph to get up and do something I listen to this, or watch the movie. It is one of the most amazing stories of perseverance ever. I am so grateful to know of this story, and to be able to share it to friends.

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if you have not seen the movie the 12th man

what turned me on to this awesome book as well I would recommend the movie this book just make the movie more interesting and wanting to learn more and more of this insane story couldn't stop listening to this story

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Fascinating Historical Gem

This book is one of the many lesser known biographies of strength and sacrifice lived out through WWII. A must read!!!

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Amazing story but needs pdf maps to be included

The authors used their exhaustive research to weave an inspiring narrative of many heroes… but it’s hard to follow all the characters, movements and locations without any visual reference; The inclusion of a downloadable pdf with those photos and maps, and maybe a timeline would enhance the readers understanding and appreciation of what these people sacrificed and endured.

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