The Bridge at Andau

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

The Bridge at Andau is James A. Michener at his most gripping. His classic nonfiction account of a doomed uprising is as searing and unforgettable as any of his best-selling novels.

For five brief, glorious days in the autumn of 1956, the Hungarian revolution gave its people a glimpse at a different kind of future - until, at four o’clock in the morning on a Sunday in November, the citizens of Budapest awoke to the shattering sound of Russian tanks ravaging their streets. The revolution was over.

But freedom beckoned in the form of a small footbridge at Andau, on the Austrian border. By an accident of history, it became, for a few harrowing weeks, one of the most important crossings in the world, as the soul of a nation fled across its unsteady planks.

Praise for The Bridge at Andau:

“Precise, vivid...immeasurably stirring.” (The Atlantic Monthly)

“Dramatic, chilling, enraging.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Superb.” (Kirkus Reviews)

©1957 James Michener (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Highly recommended reading.” (Library Journal)

1956 template of Soviet Terrorism

Required reading in my World History class over 50 years ago along with Hiroshima and Masters of Deceit. With the benefit of modern communications the world can tune in to 24 hr news coverage of Ukraine's present situation for not being a recognized NATO territory.

Must read

History that we can’t forget. Epic story of courage & resilience. I applaud the Hungarian people.

Paradigm shift

This book makes you realize just how tenuous our freedoms really are and how devious conspiring people are who want to take them away. Socialists are making promises they can't keep. This book shows you what is at the end of that impious course.

Every American should read this book.

No, every global citizen should read this book. We are loosing the hard won education that communism does not have our best interest at heart, and that it is as actively recruiting as it ever has been.

Ijust wish this book was longer.

I live with a Hungarian. This book was a great one to listen to.
I recommend this book in the audio format.

Another Michener Classic

This is a compelling narrative of a brave people. I'm wiser for having listened to this.

Crucial history

This book was written immediately after the events in question. In typical Michener style, he finds a way to weave together stories in a way that makes a cohesive, multi-faceted narrative that explains the revolution in a way I have not seen elsewhere. My father participated in the revolution, and although I was never able to get him to give me the full story, everything he told me about those days aligns with what is written in this book.

stay away from socialism

everyone needs to read this to understand the dangers of communism and it's socialist propaganda.

Distressing Parallels to Today

There were times reading/listening to this book that I wondered whether I was learning about the horrific situation in Ukraine today, and not a Russian invasion that happened in Hungary 60 plus years ago. Read this book! It is clear-eyed and clairvoyant about how Russia continues to behave. I think it would be a powerful and worthy read any day but today, it is sadly especially meaningful.

Captivating

I was brought to tears more than once. An enthralling yet brutal examination of the Hungarian uprising of 1956. Not just an account, but a heartfelt indictment of the Soviet style communist regimes of the Cold War. Isten áldd meg a Magyart.