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

By Laura Hillenbrand

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - From the acclaimed author of Seabiscuit comes 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

"Hillenbrand's writing is so ferociously cinematic, the events she describes so incredible, you don't dare take your eyes off the page."--People

TIME'S TOP NONFICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR - WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE

In boyhood, Louis Zamperini was an incorrigible delinquent. As a teenager, he channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics. Then with the start of World War II, the athlete became an airman. When his Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean, against all odds, Zamperini survived. Ahead of him 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.

Yet Zamperini's willpower faced its ultimate test upon his heroic return home after the war. He grappled with PTSD, struggled to come to terms with the injustices done to him, and was set on the path of redemption by a momentous encounter with famed reverend Billy Graham.

An unforgettable story of a man's journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400064163
• ISBN13: 9781400064168
• Release Date: November 2010
• Publisher: Random House
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.2" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Read when it was first published, and loved it.

It's been a number of years since I read this book, but I remember it well, and remember enjoying it a great deal. A great story, and well told.

I appreciate biographies of triumph

I'm a terrible critic. As hard as the struggle was, & it was terrible. I can't even imagine. The person survived & triumphed. I recommend this book.

Moving & Inspiring

There are so many nuances & aspects of inspiration in this true story of survival, recovery, & forgiveness. I cried with tears of sadness & ters of joy throughout this book about never giving up.