Title: Unbroken: A World
War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Author: Laura Hillenbrand
Number
of pages: 406 (457
w/notes)
Year
Published: 2010
Genre: Non Fiction
SUMMARY: This is the
incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, a troubled delinquent youth, who
channeled his rebellious anger and energy into becoming a world class
runner. He went on to compete in the
1936 Berlin Olympics. The Second World
War broke out destroying his dreams of the next Olympics and he was drafted
into the Army as an airman. The story
that follows is almost unbelievable in its scope. Despite the fact that Louie survived a plane
crash in the ocean, near drowning and then set adrift on a raft for more than a
month, this was only the beginning. The
trials that would soon follow would test the limits of Louie’s endurance as
well as the resiliency of the human spirit.
Delicious Reads Star Rating: 4.75 Stars
OUR GROUP
REVIEW: Unbroken was
definitely one of the more popular books our members have read. Out of 17 ratings, there were only four- 4
star reviews, and the remainder were higher with eight of them being 5
stars. Many commented that while reading
they had to keep reminding themselves that this was a TRUE story! A majority of those reading were surprised at
how little they knew of the suffering the POW’s experienced by the Japanese in
the Pacific Theater. We acknowledged
that WWII usually brought the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust to our
remembrance. Reading about the “lost”
soldiers who had suffered so horrifically was difficult to contemplate but
allowed us to have a greater understanding of this portion of our history. I think many of us felt honored to recognize
and acknowledge the sacrifices of these brave American soldiers and other
patriots that endured so much.
This
book generated many different discussions for our group. Questions were posed such as, “What makes it so hard to let resentment
go?” “What did Louie’s experience
demonstrate to us?” “What life lessons
can we glean from his story?” Here
are some ideas that were expressed:
Often times, small triggers in our lives can activate old wounds and all
the emotions can return instantly. As
long as we carry them around in our hearts we become enslaved to them, and we
are never truly free. Many of us saw
hope and a positive outlook as key elements in Louie’s life that allowed him to
survive along with his courage and tenacity.
We observed that the many obstacles he was able to conquer were achieved
because of previous training or trials that had strengthened him and gave him
the confidence to face the next challenge.
The idea that “mindset” can mean the difference between life and death
--giving in to despair or using work and mental exercises as an empowering
force to rally the spirit. As Louie and
his companions were adrift on the ocean and losing hope of rescue, this quote
reveals how attitude can make all the difference.
“Though
all three men faced the same hardship, their differing perceptions of it
appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil's hope displaced their fear
and inspired them to work toward their survival, and each success renewed their
physical and emotional vigor. Mac's
resignation seemed to paralyze him and the less he participated in their
efforts to survive, the more he slipped. Though he did the least, as the days
passed, it was he who faded the most. Louie and Phil's optimism, and Mac's
hopelessness, were becoming self-fulfilling.”
Interspersed throughout the
book, Hillenbrand’s writing painted some beautiful moments. Here she describes the scene that Louie and
Phil saw when they reached the “doldrums” while drifting on the raft close to
the equator in the Pacific Ocean.
“It
was an experience of transcendence. Phil
watched the sky, whispering that it looked like a pearl. The water looked so
solid that it seemed they could walk across it. When a fish broke the surface
far away, the sound carried to the men with absolute clarity. They watched as
pristine ringlets of water circled outward around the place where the fish had
passed, then faded to stillness. For a while they spoke, sharing their wonder.
Then they fell into reverent silence. Their suffering was suspended. They
weren’t hungry or thirsty. They were unaware of the approach of death.”
A
large portion of the story focuses on the treatment and abuse of the prisoners
and is often difficult and heart-wrenching to read. Equally as shocking were the number of Army
Air Force deaths that occurred because of accidents that had nothing to do with
battle situations. Almost 36,000 men
lost their lives without ever seeing any action. After all the POW’s suffered during their
imprisonment, their troubles did not end with the war.
“They carried unspeakable memories of torture and
humiliation…” Their dignity had been
obliterated, replaced with a pervasive sense of shame and worthlessness.” “Coming home was an experience of profound,
perilous aloneness.
We
discussed the tragedy that PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) was not fully
understood during that time period.
Thousands of servicemen floundered in the years following the war
without proper treatment. The story also
gave us a new awareness and sensitivity of the difficulties returning
servicemen experience in not being able to relate to others about what they’ve
been through.
Many
terrible things happen during war and as a group we talked about them, but when
our readers were asked what emotions they felt after finishing this story, some
of their responses to this book were interestingly varied.
Inspired * Shocked * Humbled * Determined *
Compassion * Moved * Awe-struck * Gained a new perspective on life * Learn to
live in the moment * Hopeful * Faith promoting.
Hillenbrand
has told an amazing story that could have been written many different ways by
other authors. Her research and
attention to detail is monumental and well documented. But what really sets this book apart, is her
talent, insight, and sensitivity to write about an extremely difficult subject. She has created a beautifully crafted story
that draws its readers in and doesn’t let them get mired in all the
tragedy.
Why
did this book resonate with so many of us?
Because Louie’s life story embodies everything that it is to be
human. We recognize Louie as one of us…an imperfect, fallible, strong
willed, compassionate, loving, hopeful being.
How can we not root for him
and his indomitable spirit? How can we
not embrace someone whose life inspires each of us to NEVER give up!
CONTENT:
Language/
Profanity: Moderate
Sexuality: Mild/
None
Violence: Heavy
(War violence/ torture)
Drug/Alcohol
use: Moderate (Drinking
alcohol, smoking)
Intense/Scary
Scenes: Heavy (war/torture)
Reviewed by Delicious Reads Member: Karen
SEE OUR PICTURE RECAP OF "UNBROKEN" HERE
