Unbroken

Thursday, August 9, 2012


Unbroken
A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand
★★★★

This WWII survival tale is not an entertaining book. It’s not one that you read for a laugh or to pass the time on a rainy afternoon. It is intense and difficult to read, because it’s horrible to think of anyone going through these things. BUT, and that’s a big but, I think it’s important to read books like this. If we ignore the painful parts of our world’s history, we are doing a huge disservice to all of the people who lived during that time and whose actions created the world we live in today. 

“If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.” Michael Crichton

Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and lieutenant in the Army Air Forces was in a bomber plane when it crashed into the ocean in May 1943. After more than a month a sea, facing unbelievable trials, he realizes he troubles have only begun. 

SPOILERS
It was alarming to learn how little soldiers had in their emergency kits in the rafts if their planes crashed. They had almost no practical items and I can’t believe Louis managed to survive at sea for more than a month. 

After surviving sharks, starvation and dehydration, Louis and his fellow raft mate are finally picked up by the Japanese only to be imprisoned as prisoners of war. The conditions of the prisons were horrendous and they were once again near death because of sickness and starvation. 

The book also details the Rape of Nanking, one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever read about in the history of the world. It made me absolutely sick. There was also a Japanese prison guards, known as The Bird, whose sadistic, evil nature was shocking and really heartbreaking. It’s unbelievable what the prisoners went through. 

I kept thinking about the families of the men who were lost at sea. I can’t imagine what they were going through, not knowing if their sons/husbands/fathers were alive or dead. They couldn’t grieve for their loss, because that would be giving up hope. It must have been a kind of torture of its own. 
 
One aspect I was very glad the author discussed was Louis’ struggles after he returned home. The story doesn't just end because they make it out of the war. I can’t imagine anyone making it through something so awful and not developing some type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Those men would undoubtedly struggle with those demons for the rest of their lives. 

SPOILERS OVER

The different forms of torture and sickness described are pretty graphic. I can’t say I’d recommend it if you have a weak stomach. But, I also want to say that this isn’t gratuitous violence, it’s what actually happened to these men. If they could go through these appalling things to fight for our country, I think I can handle reading about it. There are dry parts in the book, but the journalist in me wants the whole story. Even if there are boring bits, I want to know who they are as a person so I can become invested in the story. 

Louis’ story, and that of the other men, is a testament to what humans can endure, the strength that hope can give us and the atrocities of war. War is not an abstract idea, it’s real and it’s horrifying and we should never forget that. 

SIDE NOTE: If you guys aren't already watching John and Hank Green's Crash Course videos you should be! The YA author and his hilarious brother are walking us through the history of the world and Science 101. The videos can be found here

Images of Louis Zamperini from here and here.

11 comments:

Ana S. said...

I've read a considerable amount of books about WW2 in Europe, but not about what was happening in other parts of the world. The little I did read was horrific, though :\ I'd like to educate myself about it a little more, but it'll take some psychological preparation.

I so need to catch up on the Crash Course videos! I got behind the last few months, but the ones I did watch were awesome.

Dreamybee said...

I've heard great things about this book-It's definitely on my TBR list...which I will get to *someday*! :)

Sandy Nawrot said...

This book absolutely blew me away. Both of my book clubs read it and loved it too. It is just unimaginable that a human being could endure everything this guy endured, and still come out on the other side SANE. Not only sane, but finding God as well. I think he is the true definition of an American hero.

Anonymous said...

It is a tough book, but also very beautiful on showing human resilience, hope, and positiveness. the ending is really unbelievable - I don't want to add any spoiler here. I feel also so inspired about the author who wrote the book as she was very sick, and never getting out of her house. here is my own review: http://wordsandpeace.com/2010/12/14/unbroken/

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I read this one when it was first released and really liked it -- never really expected to, but I did:)

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Ana - I feel like my WWII knowledge is mainly in Europe and the USA. It's a hard subject to read about, but an important one.

Sandy - Isn't it incredible! It really puts the "trials" we go through into perspective.

wordsandpeace - I hadn't heard that about the writer. That's incredible!

Diane - I felt the same way. I didn't think I would like it, but it was such a powerful read.

Gerbera Daisy Diaries said...

Best. Book. Ever.

Jenny Girl said...

I agree that stories like these need to be read and remembered. Hillenbrand is a wonderful writing and really brings nonfiction alive.

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Jenny Girl - I've decided I'll read whatever nonfiction book she writes next. She's really good!

Jenners said...

His story just boggles your mind, doesn't it? To go through the survival on the raft …only to get imprisoned as a POW in such horrible circumstances … just floored me.

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Jenners - The other day the Huz was watching a show that's part of shark week and I realized it was all about Louie and Phil surviving in the rafts. It was crazy!