Rating: 4 stars
Cover synopsis: In 1943, Army Air Force bomber Louis Zamperini crashed into the Pacific Ocean and survived. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharkes, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity and suffering with hope, resolve and humor.
This was a stunning story of one man's ordeal in World War II. It was quite the page turner and I found myself crying, cringing and laughing throughout. Hillenbrand did such an extraordinary job of researching and writing this tale, that the characters came to life for me.
But I had to keep reminding myself that the "characters" were real people. I have no doubt that this is a true story, but I still felt like the author was manipulating my emotions. She played up certain scenes and exaggerated people's characteristics to fit them into a mold, that it felt like I was reading a fictional movie script.
Still, I don't think you could read this story, recognize that it really happened, and not be moved in some way. An incredible read.
