A riveting read, Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken” is 496 pages of great writing. Unbroken is a non-fiction book about the life of Louis Zamperini. The story follows Louis from a young mischievous age describing his tenacity and strong will as well as his tendency to get into trouble. As Louis becomes an adult, his passion for running turns into an obsession. He trains for and secures a spot at the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany; however, he is not a medalist. Afterwards, Louis begins to work even harder in order to compete at the next Olympics--setting some collegiate records of his own. Unfortunately, Zamperini’s dream was shattered by Hitler’s thirst for conquest. Like many young men of this generation, Louis swiftly enlisted into the United States Air Force and became a bombardier. While on a rescue mission over the Pacific Ocean, Louis’ plane had mechanical problems and crashed at sea. For the next 47 days, Zamperini and two other crewmen drift somberly while fighting off hunger, sharks, and mental sanity. Sadly, an American rescue never comes. Zamperini and one surviving crewman are captured by the Japanese navy. For the next two and half years, Louis is subjected to the brutal living conditions of a Japanese prisoner of war camp enduring horrendous beatings by a Japanese guard known as “the Bird.” At the end of World War II, Louis returned to America to begin a new life and eventually marrying. However, this “new” life quickly becomes littered with flashbacks and alcoholism. Louie’s wife, Cynthia, was instrumental in getting him to attend a Billy Graham crusade where he found Christianity. He attributed his change of character to this new found religion and eventually forgave “The Bird” and discards his alcohol addiction. Louis Zamperini went on to become an inspirational speaker sharing his personal testimony and stories of war to audiences all around the world.
Wow, that sounds like a lot to cover in one book, what an amazing and tragic story. I could never imagine any of the list things happening to me and ever being able to get through them. I am familiar with Billy Graham, being that he was a great Baptist leader of his time. I think it is amazing what religion can do for people, and what a great example to prove it.
ReplyDeleteDoes sound like a very content heavy book, of course a life like that suits it well. I can't help but be reminded of another book where a man fights to survive out on the sea; however, the title escapes me at this moment.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an intense book. He obviously went through a lot and I think it's pretty cool that he is an insperational speaker. I bet this book would be really interesting to read.
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