Indianapolis

By: Lynn Vincent, Sara Vladic

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

Length: 18 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

“Gripping…this yarn has it all.” (USA Today)

“A wonderful book.” (Christian Science Monitor)

“Enthralling.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“A must-read.” (Booklist, starred review)

A human drama unlike any other - the riveting and definitive full story of the worst sea disaster in United States naval history.

Just after midnight on July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis is sailing alone in the Philippine Sea when she is sunk by two Japanese torpedoes. For the next five nights and four days, almost 300 miles from the nearest land, nearly 900 men battle injuries, sharks, dehydration, insanity, and eventually each other. Only 316 will survive.

For the first time Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic tell the complete story of the ship, her crew, and their final mission to save one of their own in “a wonderful book…that features grievous mistakes, extraordinary courage, unimaginable horror, and a cover-up…as complete an account of this tragic tale as we are likely to have” (The Christian Science Monitor). It begins in 1932, when Indianapolis is christened and continues through World War II, when the ship embarks on her final world-changing mission: delivering the core of the atomic bomb to the Pacific for the strike on Hiroshima.

“Simply outstanding…Indianapolis is a must-read…a tour de force of true human drama” (Booklist, starred review) that goes beyond the men’s rescue to chronicle the survivors’ 50-year fight for justice on behalf of their skipper, Captain Charles McVay III, who is wrongly court-martialed for the sinking.

“Enthralling.... A gripping study of the greatest sea disaster in the history of the US Navy and its aftermath” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), Indianapolis stands as both groundbreaking naval history and spellbinding narrative - and brings the ship and her heroic crew back to full, vivid, unforgettable life.

“Vincent and Vladic have delivered an account that stands out through its crisp writing and superb research…Indianapolis is sure to hold its own for a long time”. (USA Today)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Lynn Vincent, Sara Vladic (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

USS Indianapolis from beginning to end

This audio read has the real truth from before the dropping of the atomic bomb in Japan to the complete story of Captain McVay the survivors and his exoneration and the aftermath of the effects it had on everybody involved. a very thorough engaging well told story from a very objective point of view deep diving into characters involved especially the survivors government involvement in a cover-up by the US Navy and the rectification disclosure of righting a wrong persecution of Captain McVay. personal tragic gripping sad exciting a must-read for historical buffs. easy to listen and gauging enjoy. expect tears and praises from our Lord Jesus Christ because he was definitely involved in every aspect of the recovery of many men and the people that wrote this book. this is a great book for Christians to read to see the power of prayer and what God can do to help write a terrible terrible wrong. praise our Lord Jesus Christ.

A worthy story.

There were sometimes too many unfamiliar names of admirals and Navy departments. I am grateful I let all that flow past and listened to the finish, a finish that left me choked with emotion.

WOW

What an amazing book! What amazing men we come to know through the pages. I can’t find words to express how much I loved this book. It is filled with heartbreaking stories as well as encouragement to live life well . Thank you to everyone involved in making this story available.!!

An Amazing True Story

As with so many, my only real knowledge of the Indianapolis was the story told by Quint in Jaws. With all due respect to Robert Shaw, the actual tale is much more dramatic -- and horrific. Really, this book has two focuses: first, on the actual events leading up to the sinking and second, on the efforts to exonerate the captain from his patently unfair court martial. The book is meticulously researched and clips along even at a relatively expansive 18+ hours. If I have a complaint -- and it is minimal -- there are times when the book is a bit overwritten. The underlying story is so powerful that the flashes of purple prose or ominous foreshadowing are really too much. The narration is flawless. It is a story that deserves to be heard and preserved.

Great Book

One of the best WW II book I have ever read and I have read a lot of books on and about the war. The authors made the Indianapolis come alive 70 years after it sunk. Amazing detail!!!

Intense

I didn’t know this story and am glad I do now. What an unbelievable story of survival. A little slow during the trial part but other than that, a great listen.

What a story!

Most of us remember Quint in Jaws talking about Indy but this story runs much deeper. This book honors the glorious war ship. The sparkling star of the fifth fleet. The authors capture her beauty while preserving her past. Captain McVeigh finally vindicated albeit after he takes his life. Sunk by a Japanese Sub which randomly stumbled upon Indy. A complacent Navy at the end of WWII. Five horrific days adrift at sea for the crew. A court marshal which should never have happened. The resurrection of a captain wrongly disgraced and a 13 year old boy who felt compelled to right the wrong. What a story!

Excellent

This book provided so much information on a topic I knew little about. The authors provided a perfectly blended background on the sailors, ship, events of the sinking and aftermath that was entertaining, informative and heartwrenching all at the same time. Well read and well researched. Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in WWII and the heroes from "the greatest generation."

powerful

This was a very emotional experience reading this book for me. I don't know why other than it reminds me so much of today's government that does nothing but protect itself with the citizens of the United States only being second or lower in rank of importance.

Better Than Expected

Just when I thought I knew a lot about the Indianapolis, I was slapped you a wealth of knowledge.
This book is amazing. Very detailed and we'll written. Narration was 5 stars