Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is a story that truly exemplifies the power of the human spirit in the most trying of times. Most people have heard of the horrors of the holocaust. But thousands of miles away American soldiers were experiencing similar torment. The book tells the tale of Louis Zamperini, an Italian American track star made soldier at the onset of World War II. Zamperini is an emerging track star predicted to be the first man to break the 4 minutes mile. However, with war looming Zamperini enlists in the army to become a pilot and is quickly shipped out to serve in Hawaii. His campaign begins well as he flies many successful missions in the Pacific. Unfortunately, his luck does not last forever as his plane is caught in a storm and crashes into the ocean. He and his copilots survive in a life raft for 40 days until they are picked up by a passing Japanese ships. The next years of Zamperini's life are spent inside various POW camps where disease and beatings are common. He struggles to keep his fighting spirit as he is dehumanized and beaten on a daily basis. Luckily, the war is drawing to a close and United States soldiers free the prisoners at his camp. He returns to the United States and tries to recreate his track dreams. But his body is broken and he never reaches his goal of the 4 minute mile.
This was a truly fantastic story. It showed the worst that humanity has to offer, but also how when man is challenged he rises to the occasion. Louis Zamperini shows us that we can overcome any obstacle and rise to any occasion. But he also shows us how to forgive. During the 1998 Japan Olympics he forgives one of his most vicious and inhuman captors and shakes his hand. Laura Hillenbrand creates a moving story that connects you to the events and actions of Zamperini at all times. You feel the desperation and the hopelessness that comes with captivity. You feel his struggle to decide whether to give up or keep trying. Anyone can connect with Zamperini's dilemma. He is truly an American hero that we can all look up to. Hillenbrand teaches us that even in the most trying and horrific of times, there is still good in the world and that we can persevere.
A story, such as that of Louis Zamperini, only comes to be during times of great tragedy. It takes great skill to take the story from Zamperini's mouth and put it on paper while keeping all of the emotion involved. His story makes me proud to be an American (where at least I know I'm free). It is important for every citizen of our country to know what their freedom costs and who is fighting for it. While there are definitely dark portions of the book, there is also an element of hope involved. Hillenbrand takes you on Zamperini's journey throughout the Pacific and Japan and every step of the way you are rooting for Zamperini to just keep going. After reading this book I want to meet Zamperini and shake his hand because he is what makes America great. For all of these reasons I give this book ten kids named Liam who didn't actually read Unbroken for their last SOAPSTone out of ten kids named Liam who didn't actually read Unbroken for their last SOAPSTone.
Speaker-A third person point of view as Hillenbrand tells the story that Zamperini told her. It feels very much like someone is sitting in front of you while telling the story. She frequently mixes emotion with fact to truly bring the reader into the story.
Occasion-The years leading up to, and during World War II. It begins with his childhood in the the 1920's to the end of the war in 1945. It discusses many of the prominent issues at the time such as Hitler's rise and the Nazi threat. As well as a brief history of United States track.
Audience-The audience for this book is any American older than the age of 13. However, and person could pick up this story and enjoy the story of survival and durability of the human spirit. It is a truly inspiration book.
Purpose-The purpose of this book is to tell the story of a truly remarkable person as well as to inform Americans of what their freedom actually costs. Hillenbrand also stresses the importance of hope. All in all, the book is meant to teach us to never give up and to always persevere. I think she wrote the book because Zamperini's story truly inspired her and she wanted to share it with the rest of the world.
Style- Her writing style closely resembles a narrative. She relates the story in terms that everyone can understand. At some points she seems in awe of what Zamperini actually did. She takes you on his remarkable journey with him. She includes a lot of emotion in her writing. It makes it very easy to connect to the book. You feel like Hillenbrand could be sitting in front of you telling you about this remarkable man's story.
Tone- The tone is this book is very respectful, serious, and emotional. She presents Zamperini's story as one of true heroism. She frequently relates stories of how he inspires other prisoners to keep trying, keep surviving. It has a tone of patriotism and it is clear that Hillenbrand holds Zamperini in extremely high regard.
