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)

A Great Non-Fiction Adventure

This was a really good listen. When I first hit play, I was somewhat taken aback by the quality of the recording, but I realized this was an earlier recording most likely transposed to digital media. Once I was over that surprise, the listening was easy. The narrator read at a somewhat slower pace than I’m used to, but was clear and concise.

The story itself was well done, but will appeal to a specific audience. As with most works of non-fiction, don’t get this if you’re looking for a Hollywood experience. This is real life. In this story, real life is fascinating enough, and knowing that real people perished on this adventure makes the story all the more relevant.

I recommend this book to anyone seeking real life adventures. If you’re interested in the unknown, history, and exploring, this will appeal to you.

Captivated

What made the experience of listening to Shadow Divers the most enjoyable?

The story itself...

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kohler and Chatterton...fearless and relentless

What about Michael Prichard’s performance did you like?

Easy to listen to...Seemed to change expressions to fit the character

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

When the father and son diving team was kill

Any additional comments?

It was a excellent experience....

A Great listen and Great story

I listened to this book on a very exciting drive from Mammoth last year, during a fantastic show storm. This story kept me entertained the entire time. As a SCUBA diver and a sometimes too inquisitive individual, I loved the tale. It was a bit long, but then as the Unabridged version, you sort of expect it to be. I have highly recommeneded this book to friends and will continue to do so.

Compelling true story

This is an engrossing story of two men who become obsessed with exploring and then identifying a sunken German uboat. Real life heroes with heart.

GRIPPING!

IPOD plus headphones at 3 AM....I couldn't stop listening to this superb story of adventure, history, courage, tenacity....The author superbly weaves several tales together to create such a beautiful fabric of a story. This is one of the best, if not the best, of my many audible experiences. Please only get the unabridged version: I wouldn't miss a drop of this story.

Very exciting

Great listening. Never a dull moment. Lot's of very interesting U Boat history. Also a great insight into the skills of deep water diving. This is one of my favorites. The narrator does a perfect job.

best book I've ever "read"

wow. Since reading this book I've recommended it to about 8 people and they actually thank me for telling them. I love non-fiction and this is simply amazing. Get it......and thank me later.

Unexpected Thriller

For someone who had no knowledge of deep sea diving, I was amazed to find myself totally absorbed by this book. The characters dedication to saving important historical evidence was almost unbelievable. How history is changed by further experiences lets us all know that nothing is written in stone!

Great story, Great book

I loved this book. It has action, it has history, it has suspense. The book also gives the reader an opportunity to feel as if you have met the major characters. I would rate this book a 5 plus.

one of the best audiobooks out there

First rate adventure, I especially appreciated the extended epilogue with the author and main players. Prichard is solid as always.