Louis Zamperini Essay

In 1936, Adolf Hitler had hoped that the Berlin Olympic Games would prove German superiority to the spectators of the world. Little did he know that track legend Jesse Owens, an African-American superstar, would break eleven world records at that very game. Another lesser known Olympian caught Hitler's attention that day, as well. Louis Zamperini, an unknown American runner, completed the last lap of the 5000 meter race in a mere 56 seconds. Upon meeting Zamperini Hitler remarked, " Ah, you're the boy with the fast finish." Such words would prove to be prophetic - Zamperini indeed has had a fast finish but survived inordinate atrocities to get there. Laura Hillenbrand, made famous by her book Seabiscuit, has marvelously captured his journey
During a low-level search mission, his plane crashed and he faced the ardor of life adrift the Pacific for 47 days. Like a stanza taken from Rime of the Ancient Mariner, he and his pilot endured little to eat or drink. Inevitably, an albatross lit on their craft and was killed to bring needed nourishment. According to an old sailors' tale, killing an Albatross disrespected the souls of those lost at sea and was certain to bring bad luck. Zamperini had no idea...

After being fished from the waters by the Japanese in Marshall Islands, Zamperini began a two year trek where he suffered and was tortured by the Japanese in their POW camps. Unbroken captures his resolve and resiliency, the fodder that spurs men toward survival. Even the intemperance of a guard whose life mission was to break Zamperini fails...Zamperini emerges hurt but unbroken.

Returning to the states, Zamperini has a difficult adjustment to life. Nothing will eradicate his nightmares of his tormentors, until Fate places his life on the upswing. If you are in the mood for an excellent book, Unbroken is for you. It is well written, provocative, and moving - you will want to read it slowly to savor every