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

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

                Louis Silvie Zamperini was known as a thief and all around misfit when he was a child. He would steal anything he could get his hands on and fight anyone that got in his way. As a teenager filled with the fear of being institutionalized and possibly sterilized, Louis cleaned up his act and became a track star. His most impressive race was the mile, where his time was steadily decreasing and his popularity growing. Louis’ legs would eventually take him to the 1936 Olympics in Germany, where at the age of nineteen he would run the 5,000 meter race. He didn’t win but had one of the best finishing laps in history at the time and was even complimented by Adolf Hitler. Louis would leave Germany with dreams of the 1940 Olympic that would be held in Japan. Those dreams would end as war began. The years passed and Louis became a bombardier in the Army Air Corps. It was during a rescue mission that Louis’ plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean leaving three survivors. This is where Louis’ descent into hell began as he would eventually spends weeks on the water and years as a prisoner of war.
                Louis Zamperini lived an extraordinary life. After reading this book, I feel pretty confident in that statement. From being the misfit to the track star to the Olympian to the bombardier. It’s all so complex and yet so endearing. Zamperini experienced life in ways that I know I will never experience life. His bravery and determination to live is extremely inspiring and unbelievable. The atrocities of war can never be overlooked and reading Zamperini’s story brings it to life. You can’t hide from the images that words create in your mind. Reading his story put into focus some of the monstrous circumstances people had to endure in wars. It’s amazing what a human body and soul can tolerate. Faith became a huge part of Louis’ life because of the experiences he went through as prisoner of war. After coming home, that faith would be what saved him from the horrible nightmares and visions that were overtaking him.

                Zamperini would speak often about the trials he suffered and I’m glad his story is told in Unbroken by Hillenbrand. I was consumed by this story. I was fully dedicated from the beginning and I did not want to put this book down. Hillenbrand told this story in such a captivating, steadily moving, suspenseful, heart wrenching, and personable way that I unknowingly became extremely invested in Zamperini. What I loved most was that she kept his story in historical context. Readers were very aware of what was going in the world as Zamperini made his way through life. I also really enjoyed the fact that readers were able to meet and learn about so many other soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines that Louis encountered throughout his career and life. Many of these men became his friends, and others suffered with him and experienced many of the same atrocities that he did. Knowing their story and their struggles brought in to perspective the many lives that were forever altered. This biography was obviously well researched and well put together. I enjoyed it immensely and give it 5 out of 5 stars. This is how I wanted to start this year’s them of biographies, autobiographies and memoirs. 

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