Unbroken

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

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The incredible true story of survival and salvation that is the basis for two major motion pictures: Unbroken and Unbroken: Path to Redemption.

“Extraordinarily moving . . . a powerfully drawn survival epic.”—The Wall Street Journal

Hailed as the top nonfiction book of the year by Time magazine • Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for biography

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.

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.

Intoxicating book, I couldn't stop listening

What an amazing tale- unbelievable at times. The spirit and endurance is truly stuff of legends. Well written and captivating, I flew through the book though, admittedly, it was hard at times to continue. I had not listened to many historical war pieces but am very glad I purchased this audiobook. I already have plans to buy at least 2 copies as Christmas gifts for family members.

Amazing Story

This was such an amazing story. It's hard to believe that people could survive the torment and torture that these POWs endured. Louis Zamporini's life is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit!

This man is what we all should strive to become!!

An amazing listen!! Zamperini's life was unbelieveable. His inner strength and courage and ability to affect others was infectious. I would love to meet this man and shake his hand and say thank you for carring a life long burden of memories of what he suffered in war to fight for our country. THIS BOOK, THIS MAN and THIS LIFE he led is like no other!

Extraordinarily -Unputdownable- Superior Narrator

Extraordinary ???Fear- Profound ???Rage- Unfathomable - Victorious -Veneration.
These are just a few words that describe what I felt while listening to this stupendous book.
In my long life, I have read thousands of books. Mostly all of them enjoyable.
However there have only been four that have affected me deeply.
1. The Bible
2. The Power of One: (Bryce Courtney)
3. Bonheoffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: (Eric Mataxes)
And now
UNBROKEN
Wonderfully written by Laura Hillenbrand.
Expertly narrated by Edward Herrmann

All I can say is if you never read anything else, these four books are a must read. Do yourself a favor and find out what I am talking about. It will be well worth your time and treasure.

By the way all, of the above are available on audible.com

A horrid yet wonderful story...

This books carries my highest recommendation. A beautifully told story of a man who defies easy description. This story superbly communicates the horrors of war, the power of the human will, the serenity of redemption and paints a beautiful portrait of a group of young men and how whether they lived or died in their brutal captivity, triumphed over their oppressors.

Fiction can be a wonderful thing but this book is proof that the most amazing stories are the ones that actually happened.