Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption cover
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  • ID: 5550
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
bookbrowse.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
excellent 5.00

The collection of Guy de Maupassant's short fiction is highly praised for its masterful storytelling and beautiful translations. The stories are rooted in 19th-century France and are described as achingly gorgeous, with a mix of masterpieces and comic tales.

This collection of Guy de Maupassant's short fiction is composed of thirty tales translated from the French by Roger Colet. Several of the tales, particularly _Boule de Suif_, _Two Friends_, _In the Spring_, _A Duel_, _The Devil_, and _The Horla_, are counted as masterpieces of the form. Others play for the comic, including _In the Woods_, _The Signal_, _Guillemot Rock_, _The Conservatory_, and _The Decoration_. The stories convey a time and a place, most of them being firmly rooted in France of the 1870s and 1880s. There is a beauty and a languor in Guy de Maupassant's descriptions which makes these some of the most achingly gorgeous short tales ever read, beautifully translated by Colet. The closest comparison is to some of the short stories of Émile Zola, although Zola and Maupassant were very different writers. If this sounds intriguing, finding a copy of this edition is highly recommended.

Quick quotes

    Several of the tales, particularly _Boule de Suif_, _Two Friends_, _In the Spring_, _A Duel_, _The Devil_, and _The Horla_ (this last story often anthologized, and rightly so, as it happens), must, I think, be counted as little short of masterpieces of the form.

    There is a beauty and a languor in Guy de Maupassant’s descriptions which makes these some of the most achingly gorgeous short tales I have ever read, beautifully translated by Colet.

    Highly recommended. Five stars.

earnestlyeccentric.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2024-12-15
confused 3.00

The reviewer is confused by the lack of consensus on Guy de Maupassant's best stories, finding a mix of brilliant writing and glib nonsense in various collections. They question the exclusion of famous stories like 'The Diamond Necklace' and the varying opinions on Maupassant's work.

The reviewer has recently delved into Guy de Maupassant's stories, expecting to find a consensus on his best works. However, they were surprised to find that different collections of his stories vary greatly, with little overlap. Some collections exclude famous stories like 'The Diamond Necklace,' which the reviewer finds puzzling. The reviewer also notes that opinions on Maupassant's work are divided, with some critics praising his writing while others dismiss it as trivial. They are left confused by the lack of agreement on Maupassant's best stories and plan to continue exploring his work.

Quick quotes

    I have read, or am reading: Selected Short Stories, Penguin Classics, 1971, tr. Roger Colet, 30 stories

    In all three books brilliantly written stories alternate with glib nonsense.

    The two translations from the 1970s not only omit 'The Diamond Necklace,' but do so almost angrily, as a matter of principle, avoiding the distortion of that horrible trick story.

John Walters Writer · John Walters · 2020-08-15
inspiring 4.50

The book is meticulously researched and features high-quality writing, telling a strong story of resilience and survival. It's a compelling read that highlights the human spirit's triumph over adversity.

John Walters praises 'Unbroken' for its meticulous research and high-quality writing, making it a compelling read. He highlights the book's strong story of resilience and survival, which he finds both inspiring and emotional. Walters appreciates how the author, Laura Hillenbrand, brings to life the incredible journey of Louis Zamperini, making it a gripping and uplifting narrative. The book's detailed descriptions and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre of historical non-fiction.

Quick quotes

    It's a good book. It has a strong story, it's meticulously researched, and it has high-quality writing.

    Hillenbrand tells the life story of Louis Zamperini with such detail and emotion that it's hard to put the book down.

    The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history.

Reddit - Books · u/2bgeuf · 2014-08-15
compelling 4.75

The book is an emotional roller coaster with excellent writing, making it a rare non-fiction read that is both clear and engaging. It's a story that is both uplifting and gut-wrenching.

The Reddit reviewer, u/2bgeuf, describes 'Unbroken' as an emotional roller coaster with excellent writing, making it a rare non-fiction read that is both clear and engaging. They highlight the book's ability to be both uplifting and gut-wrenching, emphasizing the incredible journey of Louis Zamperini. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account and the emotional depth, making it a compelling and memorable read. The story's impact is profound, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's uplifting, gut-wrenching, and an emotional roller coaster.

    I also love how well it's written. It's rare to read a non-fiction book that's so clear and engaging.

    The story is incredible and inspiring, highlighting the triumph of the human spirit.

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