Defiant Courage: Norway's Longest WWII Escape

Rating:
Summary: Courage beyond comparison
Review: Defiant Courage told the story of one man's struggle to escape the German army during WWII. His story made me feel in complete awe of his determination and the will of the people of Norway to aid him. If he had been caught, anyone helping him would also have been put to death. Each time he turned for help, people didn't hesitate a moment but immediately gave food and clothing to help him escape across the mountains and into Sweden and safety. And exciting read and also a true experience.

Rating:
Summary: Patriotism and Caring
Review: This is a fascinating account of occupied Norway in WWII. It is a true story of good over evil; of dozens of people risking torture and death, not only to them selves but, to their families. This is an account of true patriotism and caring for a fellow countryman against incredible odds.

When I first picked up this book, I wondered: how could an escape through the snow and over the mountains be spread over 340 pages? I began to read and was hooked. The authors provide so much fascinating detail. You feel the cold and live the uncertainty of being discovered.

Jan's challenges become greater and greater as the story progresses. His strength is amazing but the heroes are those who risked their lives to come to his aid.

The maps let you follow his route and bring the story alive. .

Dan Poynter, ParaPublishing.com

Rating:
Summary: warning, contains spoiler
Review: This remarkable true story will make a lasting impression. Jan Baalsrud was a WWII Norwegian commando trained in Britain for a special sabotage mission in Norway. The mission was preempted by the Germans, and all the commandos were executed except Jan who got away with his big toe shot off. To be caught was a death sentence, and civilians could only help him under penalty of death. Without proper clothing or footware, he waded through icy water, snow and an avalanche for many days with occasional help along the way. For the second half of the journey Jan was too ill to walk and was conveyed by underground members. Frost bite took all his toes, which he cut off himself. He finally made it to a hospital in Sweden.

The ever present cold and Jan's seemingly unending journey while freezing most of the time makes me question if I've ever had any discomfort worthy of the name. The book is well documented with 5 pages of sources.