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

by Laura Hillenbrand

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Student Question

What are the feel-good moments in Lauren Hillenbrand's Unbroken?

Quick answer:

Feel-good moments in Unbroken include Louie Zamperini's forgiveness of his captors after enduring mistreatment in a POW camp, showcasing a Christ-like attitude. Another uplifting aspect is Louie's unwavering perseverance, exemplifying the book's title. He never succumbed to bullies and channeled this resilience into surviving at sea and in the camp. His optimism and determination are inspiring, highlighting his ability to overcome adversity with a positive outlook.

Expert Answers

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One of the most important feel-good moments in the book was the forgiveness of Louie. He was undoubtedly mistreated in the prisoner of war camp, but he still forgave them. When Louie returns to Japan, he does so not as one who condemns or seeks revenge, but as one who forgives. This was for me the most inspiring moment in Louie's life. It was his Christ-like attitude. 

Second, there are other feel good moments, such as when Louie never gives up. In this way, he really exemplifies the book's title. At first, he did not give into bullies. Later, he channeled that energy into running, surviving at sea, and finally surviving at the prisoner of war camp. A man with that much perseverance is awe inspiring. And it feels good to see sheer determination. Here is a quote that shows this type of determination. 

Confident that he was clever, resourceful, and bold enough to escape any predicament, [Louie] was almost incapable of discouragement. When history carried him into war, this resilient optimism would define him.

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