Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by
Laura Hillenbrand
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
If there is one inspirational book you read all year, it should be the amazing story of Louie Zamperini. I don't often get completely swept up in biographies, but this book was fabulous! I am in complete awe of Louie and his overwhelming desire to survive, his ability to see the silver lining and to endure. I cannot believe that one man went through all of this.
In the beginning I loved hearing all about his mischievous youth. He was such a trouble-maker! But I loved that it underscores his stubborn personality. I enjoyed hearing about his success as an olympic runner and all that went along with it. I loved Pete- such a great brother to him.
As it continues, set against the horrors of WWII, the atrocities of war are front and center. I did not know the stories of the POWs in Japan during this time, and I am so glad I got to learn about them, to honor their memory. I was on the edge of my seat during all of the flights and the crashes. I am horrified that they were even allowed to go up in the Green Hornet! I can't believe he actually went up... after Superman crashed. Well, I guess I can, as it was a rescue mission.
The endurance on the raft... the only word that comes to me is unbelievable. I am floored by his good attitude throughout, his ability to overlook the chocolate being eaten, to continue to come up with new ways to try to survive, to realize the necessity of keeping their minds sharp- to endure. I loved how they told stories of his mothers cooking time and time again until they all knew every tid bit of every dish. I loved the moments in the doldrums. Laura Hillenbrand did a fantastic job of portraying the dire situation. I am amazed by their sheer will to live.
Once that part was over, I thought surely things would calm down and there would be some happiness for him. But, then came their capture and The BIRD. The Bird was unimaginable to me. I cannot comprehend such human indecency and cruelty. Seriously, I cannot believe things like that happened, its jus too awful. I am horrified by the things all of the POWs had to endure, and staggered by the propaganda. It drove home again for me just how inhumane wartime can be. I felt so terrible for Louie, how he feared and despised the Bird, and the things he was forced to endure. At the one part where the Bird went to the other camp, I felt like cheering for Louie, and could just imagine his immense relief.
But then to be sent somewhere new and then have The Bird walk in- it must have been the lowest moment for him. My heart just sunk when I got to that part. I can see how they would get to the point where they felt like they had to kill him to save themselves. When the war finally ended, I was elated for them. But then I realized that in some ways, the war never ended for them.
The after effects from the war sound like they were inescapable. I don't know how someone can pick up the pieces and just be thrown into life after something like that. It must feel so unsettling. I'm so glad he was able to find a nice girl to help him battle his demons. I thought she was going to leave him for sure though. It was interesting how he found God and then was able to forgive. I am astounded that he was able to send that letter to the Bird. I think he is a bigger person than I would be. I kept hoping for the Bird's capture and imprisonment. I wanted some justice for what Louie and all of those POWs had gone through!
I'm sure it was freeing to Louie to be able to forgive. After so many years of enduring all that he did, and then feeling as though he had to get revenge and searching for the Bird with no success, must have ben completely draining.
I love that Louie was finally able to find another purpose for his life after the war. I love that he helped all those boys. His life story easily could have turned into a tragedy if he wasn't able to get past his need for revenge, and if he couldn't put the bottle down. I love that was able to get through everything and find some good. I love that he was still out doing all sorts of stuff until he was very old. I picture him as this funny old man with a zinger personality, just out and about, beating all the youngin's at something or other.
I think Laura Hillenbrand did a phenomenal job with this book. And the title is perfect.
Louie truly was UNBROKEN. I feel honored to "know" this man, and hope that a little of his spirit can rub off on me. I recommend this book to anyone, always, as it is purely inspirational story and can only leave you a better person for having read it.
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