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Unbroken

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( 962,415 ratings, 51,785 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand follows the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who becomes an airman during WWII. After surviving a plane crash and enduring weeks adrift at sea, he is captured by the Japanese Navy, facing harrowing challenges as a POW. The book depicts his resilience and determination to overcome immense odds.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy gripping true stories of human endurance and resilience. It follows the remarkable journey of a WWII airman who survives extraordinary hardships, offering an inspiring tale of hope and perseverance against the odds.

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Unbroken

The incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, now a major motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is an extraordinary and gripping tale that recounts the life and struggles of American hero Louis Zamperini. The story opens on a harrowing note when, in May 1943, a US bomber crashes into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. After an agonising period, a young lieutenant named Louis Zamperini manages to emerge from the wreck, only to embark on one of the most astonishing odysseys of the Second World War.

Before the war, Zamperini’s life was far from ordinary. As a young boy from Torrance, California, he was notorious for his mischief and petty crimes. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he discovered his exceptional talent for running. This newfound enthusiasm and skill propelled him to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he gained fame as a record-setting athlete. With the outbreak of war, his running career was abruptly halted as he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces.

Louis Zamperini's wartime adventure is nothing short of relentless. After his bomber crashes, he finds himself stranded on a malfunctioning life raft, left to survive thousands of miles of open ocean. He contends with threats from circling sharks, starvation, and an unforgiving enemy. Endurance becomes his only companion as he faces the limits of human capability, pushing himself to survive despite the odds.

Unbroken is not just a war story; it’s a tale of the indomitable human spirit. The narrative traverses through Louis's earlier years, his Olympic success, his wartime trials and tribulations, and his post-war struggles. Hillenbrand's meticulous research and storytelling prowess shine through, painting a vivid and unflinching portrayal of resilience and bravery.

This compelling biography has been masterfully adapted into a major motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie, bringing Zamperini's inspirational story to a wider audience. Unbroken is a testament to the strength of the human will, a gripping account of survival, and a powerful story of redemption, making it an unforgettable read.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Unbroken is praised for its gripping and cinematic storytelling, with reviewers highlighting its remarkable and inspiring tale of resilience. It's described as a compelling read that rivals any thriller, with some calling it an instant classic. The survival story is noted as one of the most remarkable ever recorded, making it a highly recommended book.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007378036

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 February 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 350g

Pages: 500

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About the Author

Laura Hillenbrand is a contributing writer/editor to ‘Equus’ magazine among many other journals. Her article on Seabiscuit won the Eclipse Award for Magazine Writing; she served as a consultant on the Universal film of this book, released in 2003. She lives in Washington DC.

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