The Long Walk

The Long Walk: A True Story of the Trek to Freedom
by Slavomir Rawicz [940.547 Raw]

Slavomir Rawicz is in the Polish Calvary in 1939 in his early twenties as Europe is becoming a hot zone, mobilizing towards WWII. Rawicz fights in a few skirmishes, but early on before the war begins, he is arrested by the Russian secret police. His personal narrative in The Long Walk describes his horrific experiences as a prisoner in Russian prison and a Siberian work camp. Leading up to his escape, Rawicz recounts the brutality of his life as an inmate. The meat of his story lies in a 4,000 mile walking escape from the Siberian work camp. Rawicz and a small group of man trek through the Siberian Arctic, Gobi Desert and over the Himalayan Mountains with little more than the clothes on their backs. It is an epic journey of man against nature. The group of escapees experiences every physical hardship one could. Rawicz writes so concisely and eloquently that you are propelled through their journey as physically and emotionally as possible as a reader. One of the most touching aspects of the story is in the relationship between the escapees. The group of men can only survive through the complete trust of one another and their ability to share resources and ideas. Their story is an account of the depth of team work, human suffering, endurance and the conquering of mind over body. The truth of the story has been disputed although it is considered nonfiction. Read it anyway, for a thrilling story and do some research later to decide whether or not you believe. The Long Walk is an enthralling quick read for historical/personal narrative fans, veterans, adventurists, or inspirational reading for someone recovering from an illness or accident. P.S.: Read the book first! The Long Walk has recently been adapted into the film The Way Back, but don't miss out on Rawicz's writing. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracey Kidder, Between Two Worlds: My Life and Captivity in Iran by Roxana Saberi.] -- recommended by Glory B. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Wikipedia entry for Slavomir Rawicz ]

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