I love a
good headline; or in this case, the perfect title. Some books, movies and even headlines can be
misleading, produce an incorrect idea, or flash out confusion in an attempt to
grab the reader's eye. The beauty of
"Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption"
is that the title is accurate, precise and fulfilling, much like the book
itself. Well researched and written with
an honest yet optimistic tone, "Unbroken" tells, (and as amazing as
it seems) the true story of the amazing life of
Louis Zamperini.
From the
start he is a dynamic character, and though it is very clear that author Laura
Hillenbrand has researched deeply, spoken with an astounding number of
witnesses and verified the events in Louis' life, one cannot help but race to
Google after just a few chapters to learn if this is an over the top lie.
Zamperini
was an Olympic Athlete, a runner in the 1936 Olympic games. THE epic, German
games! The ones you see in countless movies as a touchstone in our modern era.
Nazis, Hitler, Jesse Owens and four Gold Medals, you know, THAT Olympic Games?
But
before you believe this is a story about the overcoming struggles of an athlete,
think again. Real life intervenes in the
dreams of Zamperini. He is perfectly situated to run in the 1940 games, (which
ironically were slated for Japan but were moved to Helsinki because of the
outbreak of war) but is denied because of the further spread of WWII in Europe
and the cancellation of the games until 1948.
The 1940 games never happen, and much happens in the world, and in the
life of Zamperini during those years; much pain, much endurance, and indeed survival,
resilience and redemption.
Zamperini
is swept up in his prime to serve in the US Military, specifically the Air Force
and was serving as a Bombardier when his plan was lost at sea. Presumed dead
with the entire crew, Zamperini, his pilot and one other crew member survive
the crash landing in the middle of the vast Pacific and survive for 47 days on
rainwater, raw fish and the grace of God there is no doubt. Reaching the Marshall Islands after their
ordeal, they are immediately taken prisoner and tortured as Prisoners of War
for the next two years in Japan.
Hillenbrand
is clear enough for us to be horrified by the treatment of the POWs in Japan,
but not grotesque, though readers are sure to understand the magnitude of the
torture he and hundreds of other men suffered.
It is appalling and yet, stunning what he and others are able to endure
with a resilience that is difficult to comprehend. She is careful to give us
spoonfuls of research and history without it being a school lesson, yet gently
nudging the reader to with a desire to know more of the history surrounding
Zamperini's situation in the world.
The
ensuing, but yet unnamed ailment we know as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is
evident in Zamperini's life and yet a beautiful transformation is made from his
angry soul when he embraces the power of forgiveness and faith. It changes his life and outlook, and even at
the age of 95 (at this writing) it is clear he has a perspective and inner joy
that can only come with the healing power of faith. Not overwritten, but tender
and leaving the reader with a calm sense of the divine, "Unbroken"
gives us pause and reflection on things we find difficult today in our lives,
and things we must endure, as well as a comfort and hope in our ability to do
so. A great read.
I would
love to hear your comments about what you liked or did not like about this book,
or just whatever you would like to say about it.
