Shadow Divers

The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II

By: Robert Kurson

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1991, acting on a tip from a local fisherman, two scuba divers discovered a sunken German U-boat, complete with its crew of 60 men, not too far off the New Jersey coast. The divers, realizing the momentousness of their discovery, began probing the mystery. Over the next six years, they became expert and well-traveled researchers, taught themselves German, hunted for clues in Germany, and constructed theories corrective of the history books, all in an effort to identify this sunken U-boat and its crew. During that time, three of their colleagues died exploring the wreck, including a father and son team. In 1997, when it all seemed in vain, the two divers came up with a final plan, so dangerous that the book ends with this last dive.

Listen to an interview with Robert Kurson on C-SPAN Booknotes from July 11, 2004.

©2004 Robert Kurson (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

• Alex Award Winner, 2005

"While Kurson doesn't stint on technical detail, lovers of any sort of adventure tale will certainly absorb the author's excellent characterizations, and particularly his balance in describing the combat arm of the Third Reich. Felicitous cooperation between author and subject rings through every page of this rare insightful action narrative." (Publishers Weekly)
"A fascinating look at the sometimes communal, sometimes bitterly competitive psychology of wreck-divers, weekend warriors in wet suits whose dangerous hobby is often an antidote to the frustrations of the workaday world." (Booklist)
"The story told in Robert Kurson's new book features undersea thrills, a gripping mystery, incredible discoveries, true-blue friendship, life-or-death crises and history unfolding....Written with great you-are-there intensity and dynamic verve." (The New York Times)
"From U-boat history to the mortal dangers of diving (disorientation is so common that you wonder only three men drowned on this quest), Kurson explains it all, even as he's spinning a fantastic yarn that happens to be true. All he leaves out are the boring parts." (Newsweek)

Simply fantastic

This book was simply fantastic! It was well organized, researched, thought out, and extremely engaging. I could no stop listening! The narrator was just the right person to read the book.

Couldn’t Stop Listening

A five-star experience listening to this book ---excellent, excellent, excellent --- worth the time, worth the credits. I could not wait to continue with the story --- highly recommended.

History isn't as reliable as I thought!

This is a simply fabulous book whether you're into diving or not. A remarkable story, remarkable divers, well researched and well told - I often found myself holding my breath. Watching the video documentary added another dimension but I'm so glad I had read the book first. Thankyou Bill, John and Ritchie (et al) for your effort - and Robert for telling their story.

couldn't put it down!!!

I belong to a nonfiction book. We have read some great books, like boys in the boat and Shadow of Doubt. this book is right up there with them. Really enjoyed it

Listen to this book!

If you dive, listen to this book. If you have any interest in submarines and shipwrecks, listen to this book. Excellent narration and an excellent book. Just the right amount of history to keep the story going without feeling like your in class.

Do yourself a favor...

...and kick the speed up to 1.15-1.20 after the intro so Paid-by-the-hour Prichard doesn't turn 2.5 hours of your life into dead air.

True Adventure Under the High Seas

A fascinating view into the world of what has to be the most extreme of extreme sports, deep wreck diving. Kurson conveys a treasure chest of historical and technical information, all wrapped in a gripping high-tension narrative. What is most fantastic is the fact that it?s true-every word.

The story invites comparison to works such as ?The Perfect Storm? and ?Touching the Void?; but it transcends those works and others of the genre by allowing the story to stand on its own. Knudson conveys what drives these men through the sheer power of description and story. He doesn?t interject himself or attempt to process the information for us. His meticulous research and winning prose style render that unnecessary.
Listeners will be treated to an education in wreck diving as well as a slice of history. The fear and excitement is palpable in every dive. This is a one of a kind story.

Fascinating!

I am not usually a non-fiction reader, but picked this up last month based on reviews. I cannot say enough great things about it. It was well written, well narrated, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole listen. I highly recommend this book. I found myself hurrying home in the evenings to listen to the next chapter! I hated for it to come to an end. Listen to this book!

Unbelievably Riveting

I couldn't stop listening to this book. I stayed up late listening until I was a zombie at work. The narrator is perfect for the material & the material is facinating & emotionally gripping. There is a section after the epilogue where the author details his sources. Be sure to listen after that for an interview with Chatterton and Kohler conducted by the author after the print version of the book was published.

An amazing story of Perseverance and Determination

Any additional comments?

Although "Shadow Divers" isn't a story of survival, I couldn't help but feel that it was as I listened. Not only is the story itself fascinating, this book is an amazing example of undeterred perseverance and determination. These two divers single handedly changed the history books, and in effect, brought peace to the U-boat crew's families.

The author does a great job of intertwining history to give the story a greater perspective. If you love adventure, history, and drama in one - you'll love this book.