Analysis

Returning to the story of Louie Zamperini, Hillenbrand delves deeper into the specific dangers men like Louie faced during WWII. Louie is sent out on several missions into enemy territory. His life has been redeemed by military service and now it’s placed at great risk by the same thing that redeemed him. The bombing of Nauru, related by Hillenbrand with exquisite detail, is testimony both to who Louie is and who he has become.

During the Nauru bombing run, Louie is again the best version of himself: He is not the same self-centered, lazy boy who once stole food in Torrance or who dropped out of college because he couldn’t run in the Olympics. He is a man of action and imagination, ready to sacrifice himself for the good of his crewmates and for the sake of his country. War is hell, evident by the death of Harry Brooks, who stood beside Louie in battle. But within that fire, Louie proves himself in a positive light. And so far, he’s managed to survive.