Unbroken

About the Author

Laura Hillenbrand is an acclaimed American author known for her narrative non-fiction, bringing to life the stories of remarkable individuals. Born in 1967, Hillenbrand gained widespread recognition with her debut book, "Seabiscuit: An American Legend," which became a major bestseller and was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. Despite battling chronic fatigue syndrome, a debilitating illness, Hillenbrand’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling have earned her numerous accolades and a devoted readership. Her second book, "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption," continues her tradition of exploring the extraordinary lives of those who have faced extreme adversity and emerged with incredible stories of resilience and triumph. Hillenbrand’s ability to capture the essence of her subjects’ experiences and convey them with empathy and depth makes her work not only historically significant but also deeply moving.

Main Idea

"Unbroken" tells the harrowing and inspiring story of Louis "Louie" Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who became a World War II bombardier and survived being shot down over the Pacific Ocean, only to endure years of torture in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. Hillenbrand chronicles Louie’s journey from a troubled youth to a national hero and ultimately, to a man who found peace through forgiveness. The book explores themes of resilience, the power of the human spirit, and the capacity for redemption even after experiencing unimaginable suffering. Louie’s story is a testament to the strength of the human will and the ability to overcome life’s most severe challenges through perseverance, faith, and forgiveness.

Table of Contents

• From Terror to Triumph
• A Dream Cut Short
• Lost at Sea
• A Different Nightmare
• Terrorized
• Becoming Human
• Happily Ever After

From Terror to Triumph

Louis Zamperini's early life was characterized by rebellion and a fierce determination to defy the odds. Born in 1917 to Italian immigrant parents, Louie grew up in Torrance, California, where he was known as the town troublemaker. His childhood was marked by acts of petty theft, fights, and a general disdain for authority. However, beneath his tough exterior, Louie was a young man searching for a purpose. It was his older brother, Pete, who recognized Louie’s potential and redirected his energy toward athletics, particularly running.

Under Pete’s guidance, Louie discovered a natural talent for track and field. His transformation from a delinquent to a disciplined athlete was nothing short of remarkable. By his senior year in high school, Louie was setting records in the mile, and his speed earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California. But Louie’s ambitions stretched beyond collegiate athletics—he set his sights on the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Despite being relatively inexperienced on the international stage, Louie’s performance at the Olympic trials earned him a spot on the U.S. team. In Berlin, Louie competed in the 5,000 meters, and though he didn’t win a medal, he made history with his extraordinary final lap. Clocking the fastest last lap ever recorded, Louie captured the attention of the world, including Adolf Hitler, who personally congratulated him after the race.