Books matching: daring escape
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Save:'Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill' by Candice Millard follows the early years of Winston Churchill, focusing on his time as a journalist covering the Boer War in South Africa. Churchill's capture by the Boers and his daring escape, traversing enemy territory alone, are highlighted as pivotal moments in his life. The narrative is described as fast-paced, smartly written, and impeccably researched, providing a detailed account of Churchill's bravery, audacity, and ambition during a tumultuous period in history.
From earliest childhood, Churchill had been fascinated by war, and dreamed of gallantry in battle. “There is no ambition I cherish so keenly,” he had confided to his younger brother, Jack, “as to gain... Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee - A Look Inside North Korea by Jang Jin-sung is a memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the oppressive regime of North Korea. Jang, a former North Korean official, shares his harrowing journey of escaping the country with a friend, shedding light on the inhumane conditions and strict control imposed by the regime. Through his personal account, readers are exposed to the inner workings of North Korea's propaganda machinery and the struggles faced by those who dare to defy the regime. Jang's writing style is both captivating and insightful, providing valuable insights into the regime's paranoia and power dynamics.
I WAS LOYAL and fearless. I didn’t have to live in terror of the consequences of being late for work. Nor did I need to keep my head down like other cadres in an attempt to be invisible at Party meeti...- #3
Save:In "Elephant Run" by Roland Smith, the story is set in Burma during World War II and follows the protagonist Nick as he is sent to live with his father on a teak plantation to escape the bombings in London. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when the Japanese invade Burma, leading to Nick's father being taken prisoner. Nick, along with his friend Mya, plan a daring escape on elephants to rescue Nick's father and Mya's brother from a Japanese POW camp. The book is described as a fast-paced adventure filled with action, suspense, and a unique setting that includes elements of politics, spirituality, and the fascinating world of wild timber elephants.
The writing style of "Elephant Run" is praised for being engaging and well-told, with a good balance between simple young adult reading and a more refined style. The novel effectively bridges world history without bias, presenting a story that is both entertaining and educational about the lesser-known battlefront in Burma during World War II. The characters are described as likable and strong-willed, adding depth to the plot as they navigate through the challenges of war and danger in the jungles of Burma.
'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.
Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.
Oleg Gordievsky was born into the KGB: shaped by it, loved by it, twisted, damaged, and very nearly destroyed by it. The Soviet spy service was in his heart and in his blood. His father worked for the...- #5
Save:'Colditz' by Henry Chancellor delves into the captivating escape stories of prisoners of war held in Colditz Castle during World War II. Chancellor meticulously compiles first-hand accounts and facts about life in this high-security prison, showcasing the ingenuity, bravery, and resilience of the Allied officers who were deemed as 'bad boys' and sent to Colditz for their escape attempts or anti-German sentiments. The narrative not only explores the various escape attempts but also sheds light on the daily struggles, skills, breakdowns, and camaraderie among the prisoners, highlighting the unique challenges faced by those held in this special camp.
- #6
Save:The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic tale of revenge and redemption set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic France. The story follows Edmond Dantes, a young sailor who is falsely accused of treason and imprisoned. After learning about a hidden treasure, Dantes escapes from prison and embarks on a journey of revenge against those who wronged him. The plot is filled with dramatic twists and turns, intricate subplots, and deep character development, making it a compelling and engaging read. The writing style of Alexandre Dumas is praised for its vivid descriptions, detailed characterizations, and exploration of themes such as love, honor, despair, and power.
On February 24, 1815, the lookout at Notre-Dame de la Garde signalled the arrival of the three-master Pharaon, coming from Smyrna, Trieste and Naples. As usual, a coastal pilot immediately left the po... - #7
Save:'Escape from Alcatraz' by J. Campbell Bruce is a detailed account of the infamous escape from Alcatraz by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers in 1962. In addition to narrating the escape itself, the book delves into the history of Alcatraz as a prison, covering the lives of prior inmates, escape attempts, daily routines, and the experiences of both prisoners and guards. The author provides a balanced perspective of life inside Alcatraz, discussing the harsh treatment of inmates, the conditions within the prison, and the challenges faced by both the authorities and the prisoners.
The writing style of 'Escape from Alcatraz' is engaging and captivating, with the author skillfully blending historical facts with storytelling elements. Readers are drawn into the narrative from the very beginning, feeling transported to the grim and chilling atmosphere of Alcatraz. reads like a novel, making the history of the prison and the daring escape attempts come alive, while also shedding light on the various aspects of justice, punishment, and the desire for freedom within the confines of Alcatraz.
JANUARY 14, 1960, A THURSDAY, broke dismal and drizzly over the San Francisco Bay region. The Weather Bureau had forecast a few showers in the morning, clearing in the afternoon. The showers would spi... - #8
Save:In "Wrecked," Elizabeth Jannsen has been on the run for years from her father's hunters. Caius Trachter, an indentured servant, is one of those hunters who has relentlessly pursued her. Believed dead after a daring escape, Elizabeth is found again by Caius, who claims he now wants to protect her and help her escape. The novella delves into a steampunk adaptation of the fairy tale Donkey Skin, where danger, romance, and unexpected twists intertwine in a short yet captivating story that explores themes of forgiveness, love, and freedom.
The plot of "Wrecked" unfolds in the Iron Seas world, involving elements of airship travel, zombie aspects, and witty banter among well-described characters. The narrative navigates through Elizabeth's past struggles, Caius's internal conflict, and the intense chase that ensues, ultimately leading to a resolution that blends passion, adventure, and world-building elements typical of the steampunk genre.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Iron Seas ) - #9
Save:'Rebel of the Sands' by Alwyn Hamilton is a fantasy novel set in a sultanate with a blend of American Old West elements. The story follows Amani, a sharpshooter disguising herself as a boy, who joins forces with Jin, a fugitive, to escape her town and avoid an arranged marriage. As they navigate a world of rebellion, magic, and mythical creatures, their journey is filled with daring escapes, gunfights, and a touch of romance. The book combines elements of Arabian mythology and Western themes, creating a unique and adventurous tale that captivates readers.
The plot of 'Rebel of the Sands' is fast-paced and filled with non-stop action, making it an engaging and thrilling read. The world-building, blending Middle Eastern and Wild West influences, adds depth and richness to the story, creating a unique setting for the characters to navigate. The characters, particularly Amani, are well-developed and relatable, with flaws and complexities that add depth to the narrative. The book offers a mix of adventure, romance, and rebellion, making it a captivating and mystical journey for readers.
I slid from Blue’s saddle and tethered her to a post behind some bar called the Dusty Mouth. The kid sitting against the fence was sizing me up suspiciously. Or maybe that was just his two black eyes.... - #10
Save:'The Lieutenants' in the series 'Brotherhood of War' by W.E.B. Griffin follows the military careers of various characters, including Craig Lowell, Phil Parker, and Sandy Felter, as they navigate through WWII and postwar scenarios. The book delves into the challenges faced by black officers like Parker and the unique paths taken by individuals like MacMillan, who is a natural leader despite his non-commissioned background. Griffin's writing style is characterized by detailed descriptions of historical events, military customs, and the personal lives of the characters, providing a rich tapestry of war and peace.
The narrative in 'The Lieutenants' unfolds with a mix of action-packed scenes like daring escapes and POW rescues, alongside character-driven storylines that explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience. Griffin intricately weaves together the lives of the protagonists, showcasing their struggles and triumphs against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as the German occupation and the Cold War. The book offers a blend of military detail, social commentary, and engaging storytelling that keeps readers immersed in the lives of these lieutenants as they navigate the complexities of war and personal growth.
Two tanks, American, which showed signs of hard use, moved slowly down a path. The terrain was undulating desert. Not sand dunes, but arid, gritty soil, with crumbling, fist-sized rocks and sparse veg...
