The Bridge at Andau is James A. Michener at his most gripping. His classic nonfiction account of a doomed uprising is as searing and unforgettable as any of his bestselling novels. For five brief, glorious days in the autumn of 1956, the Hungarian revolution gave its people a glimpse at a different kind of future—until, at four o’clock in the morning on a Sunday in November, the citizens of … citizens of Budapest awoke to the shattering sound of Russian tanks ravaging their streets. The revolution was over. But freedom beckoned in the form of a small footbridge at Andau, on the Austrian border. By an accident of history it became, for a few harrowing weeks, one of the most important crossings in the world, as the soul of a nation fled across its unsteady planks.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener’s Hawaii.
Praise for The Bridge at Andau
“Precise, vivid . . . immeasurably stirring.”—The Atlantic Monthly
“Dramatic, chilling, enraging.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Superb.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Highly recommended reading.”—Library Journal
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Everyone should read this authentic history account to learn about communism.
risking life for liberty
I’m now in my 70’s. I read this book early in my life perhaps iin 1960. It was a terrifying read for someone who knew little about the ugly, horrific side of life. I am glad I read it; the book stuck with me all these years. Compelling story. My cousin’s husband fled Hungary to Milwaukee during the revolt because they found a way out, and …
Good history
Tragic Story of the Hungarian Revolution. Great narrative – Reads like a novel.
Great political / war / survival story.
Read the when it first came out. Being Hungarian , I was very interested in stories about the revolution.
Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors
The story of the Russians in Hungary in the 1950s was of particular interest because my husband and I lived there for a year. We heard our Hungarian friends speak of the occupation and the hardships it caused.
A great story about a people fighting for their freedom.
This book was very hard for me to read. It is difficult to imagine mans inhumanity to man. I am not a fan of war and torture really upsets me. The fact that it is a true accounting makes it all the more difficult.
my least favorite book by this author
As usual James Michener did a lot of research. My interest was special because my mother was from Hungary. I remember I was in High School in the Netherlands when the Hungarians rose up against the Communist Regime. In the book James Michener praises the courage of the young people who with little means fought the Russian tanks etc. Some part of …
somehow couldn’t get into it even though I’m a fan of his
No one is descriptive the way Michener is. He can’t write anything that doesn’t rate 5 starts.
Very entertaining though tragic
Couldn’t finish it. Ok story but got repetitive and boring
History as only James Michener can tell it. Another great tale, that really happened.
Not my favorite Mitchner
Kind of preachy, informatve butdated. Not his best work