Title: Lost in Shangri-la: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II
Author: Mitchell Zuckoff
First published April 26, 2011
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061988349 (ISBN10: 0061988340)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
Mitchell Zuckoff takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the treacherous jungles of New Guinea in Lost in Shangri-la. This incredible true story follows the survival and rescue of a group of American fliers, including a daring young woman, who are stranded in a forgotten land after a devastating plane crash during World War II.
With his signature storytelling style, Zuckoff brings to life the danger, determination, and discovery that defined this incredible rescue mission. Fans of true adventure tales like Unbroken and The Lost City of Z won’t be able to put this captivating read down.
About the Author
Meet Mitchell Zuckoff, a professor of journalism at Boston University and a bestselling author. He has written four New York Times bestsellers, including “Fall and Rise,” “13 Hours,” “Lost in Shangri-La,” and “Frozen in Time.” His other works include “Robert Altman: The Oral Biography,” which was recognized as one of Amazon.com’s “Best Books of 2009,” “Ponzi’s Scheme,” and “Choosing Naia.” Zuckoff also co-authored “Judgment Ridge,” which was a finalist for the prestigious Edgar Award.
Zuckoff’s articles have been featured in national and regional publications like The New Yorker and Fortune. In his previous role as a special projects reporter for The Boston Globe, he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting as a member of the Spotlight Team.
Zuckoff has won many national honors, including the Distinguished Writing Award from the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the Livingston Award for International Reporting, the Heywood Broun Award, and the Associated Press Managing Editors’ Public Service Award. He currently resides outside of Boston.
Editoral Review
Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff is a fascinating work of non-fiction that combines adventure, history, and survival in one gripping story. Published on April 26, 2011, Zuckoff’s book offers a deep dive into the harrowing story of a crashed military airplane, the rescue mission that followed, and the survivors who were stranded in a dangerous and unexplored region of New Guinea.
Mitchell Zuckoff is an author and professor of journalism at Boston University. He has written several non-fiction books, including 13 Hours and Frozen in Time.
In Lost in Shangri-La, Zuckoff offers a riveting account of a true story from World War II that happened in 1945. The book is written in a fast-paced, suspenseful style that is reminiscent of the adventure novels the story’s protagonists loved to read.
The book tells the story of a group of military service members who were on a joyride over the jungle when their plane crashed, leaving three survivors. The crash site was in an uncharted and dangerous region of New Guinea, which made rescue efforts difficult.
But with the help of local tribespeople, a daring rescue mission was launched, which is now considered the most incredible rescue mission of World War II. Zuckoff thoroughly sets up the context of the story, discussing the war at the time and the political climate surrounding it.
He also provides detailed information about the characters involved, including the passengers and crew of the downed plane, the rescue team, and the tribespeople who helped with the rescue. The book is well-researched, and the attention to detail is impressive.
Zuckoff’s writing captures the reader’s imagination and transports them to the lush jungle and dangerous mountains of New Guinea. The story’s central conflict is convincing and moving, and the characters are developed with depth and nuance.
However, the book’s pacing could be improved in some parts. Some sections that feel redundant or overly detailed could have been condensed.
Also, while the characters are compelling, the author does not delve into their inner emotions or motivations. They are presented as heroic figures, but we don’t get a deep understanding of what drives them.
Overall, Lost in Shangri-La is a captivating book that offers a unique look at a lesser-known event in World War II history. It is an exciting and gripping adventure story that emphasizes the resilience and heroism of ordinary people.
It also highlights the cultural and social differences that are encountered during times of war. For these reasons, the book would be an excellent read for those interested in history, adventure, or non-fiction.
I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.
