Unbroken: The Story That Leaves You Unbroken and Hopeful

Laura Hillenbrand is the author of great works such as ‘Unbroken’ and ‘Seabiscuit’. Her second book ‘Unbroken’ won her number one on the New York Times bestseller, and her first book ‘Seabiscuit’ receives a lot of love and aspiration.

By Andy See

Many movies and arts are inspired by her compelling and rich stories of historical events. Her books tell real stories and real events that happened during the great depression.

Hillenbrand’s book ‘Unbroken’ tells a coming of age biography of Louie Zamperini, once great track-star athlete and his experiences of being held captive in Japanese camps during World War II. On his journey, we see him venture away from the comfort of his own home to partake in the war against Japan. He is captured by Japanese soldiers when his mission to Palmyra goes wrong.

From Louie’s biography, we see the devastations of war and the everlasting trauma that was inflicted onto him and other survivors tortured and ripped off their self-worth in the Japanese camps.

Hillenbrand had a conversation with Louie after she wrote ‘Unbroken’; they talked about the retrospect, down to the little details of his journey, and he explained the meaning behind his choices and how he grew to adjust to his environment. She asked him questions from his childhood memories, his morbid experience in the Japanese camps, and the traumatic aftermath.

I loved reading ‘Unbroken’, my love for this book cannot be expressed anymore. I don’t usually read nonfiction books or historical books. Historical books are not my cup of tea, but this book is an exception. I can’t remember the last time I almost cried while reading a book. I liked that the book is emotional and tension heavy.

The emotion hits you in the right spots and the bad spots at the same time. The emotional aspect drew me more into the book and made me sympathize and connect to the survivors. I felt especially sorrowful when Louie would have these nightmares about being beaten, and the mental illnesses that prevented the survivors from living a normal and happy life.

The tension kept me on the edge of my seat. Louie continuously found himself in dire and treacherous situations. He survived the plane crash, and was stuck out at sea for forty-six to forty-seven days. On a raft in the middle of the ocean with two other men, and with little to no food and water had to be shared equally. Sharks surrounded the three dehydrated and hungry men. The probability of surviving was near zero for them.

‘Unbroken’ is not only a story of Louis Zamperini, but also the stories of other survivors that experienced the same thing he did in the camps and the aftermath of it all. Even through all of the torture and dehumanization, they were able to cling onto that last bit of light they had, and persevere till the end. For the wounded and the lost, there is still hope.