The book that inspired the international film of the same name. “I remember reading We Die Alone in 1970 and I could never forget it. Then when we went to Norway to do a docudrama, people told us again and again that certain parts were pure fiction. Since I was a Norwegian that was not good enough; I had to find the truth. I sincerely believe we did,” writes author Astrid Karlsen Scott.The 12th … Karlsen Scott.
The 12th Man is the true story of Jan Baalsrud, whose struggle to escape the Gestapo and survive in Nazi-occupied Norway has inspired the international film of the same name. In late March 1943, in the midst of WWII, four Norwegian saboteurs arrived in northern Norway on a fishing cutter and set anchor in Toftefjord to establish a base for their operations. However, they were betrayed, and a German boat attacked the cutter, creating a battlefield and spiraling Jan Baalsrud into the adventure of his life. The only survivor and wounded, Baalsrud begins a perilous journey to freedom, swimming icy fjords, climbing snow-covered peaks, enduring snowstorms, and getting caught in a monstrous avalanche. Suffering from snowblindness and frostbite, more than sixty people of the Troms District risk their lives to help Baalsrud to freedom. Meticulously researched for more than five years, Karlsen Scott and Haug bring forth the truth behind this captivating, edge-of-your-seat, real-life survival story.
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Shows how much the human body can take.
Fantastic
The book showed how the people in Norway stuck together in trying times during WW11. They believed in their fellow Norwegians , even to risk there lives to save one man. Good read!
I was so impressed with Jan. I love life too but don’t ever think I could do what he did. The will to survive I admire so much. The wonderful people that helped him along his journey to freedom was remarkable. They put their lives and their families lives in danger to help this soldier. It was scary in a sense to be hunted by the Germans like …
It was cumbersome with too much emphasis on the place names. It would have been an easier read if the authors didn’t seem to think that they had to tell us where a character was from each time the character appeared.
This book tells the story of Jan Baarslag, a Norwegian soldier escaping the Nazis after taking part in an attempt to blow up a ship in one of the Norwegian fjords. The story tells of his struggle against the elements, and how he had to depend on strangers to help him escape to Sweden. What this man goes through is just incredible! This story …
Remarkable story.
A special operations plan by Norwegian patriots goes horribly awry. Only one man survives – and against all odds makes his way out of the jaws of death into Sweden. Traces the journey and the extraordinary ordinary citizens who went above and beyond to save the life of the one sole survivor. It was their act of resistance, one tiny household …
A fantastic true life saga of a Real Hero.
I am a WW I WWII reader and as much as I’ve read I still was not aware of the extent of impact the Nazi regime had on Norway. A great read.
Another story of WW11 that we never knew about. Amazing story of endurance and bravery of ordinary people risking their all to help a fellow human being. Very moving………..M
It is amazing what the human body and mind can endure!
Fantastic story. His pain could be felt through the pages. His love of country shines through each event. A beautiful man.
This is an amazing true story about an extended flight from the Nazis in WW II Norway. The fortitude of the main character is surpassed only by the courage and stout hearts of those who helped him escape – at great danger to themselves and their families. It’s a book full of lessons for our time, lessons about daring to do the right in the face …
Fast read. Couldn’ Put it down. Great plot and likable characters
I have always had an interest in the Vikings. upon meeting Norwegian soldiers at Pease, I admire them. I’m very happy that we are on the same side. The book shows the true character of the Norwegians
Courage & Strength in challenging times!
I had never heard of this hero of the Second World War but am so glad I read his story. It kind of put mundane things in my life in perspective. I couldn’t read it all the way through at once….it was just too emotional and I was so involved with the main character and those who gave him aid and comfort. Not the best written book I’ve ever …