81 Days Below Zero cover art

81 Days Below Zero

The Incredible Survival Story of a World War II Pilot in Alaska's Frozen Wilderness

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81 Days Below Zero

By: Brian Murphy, Toula Vlahou
Narrated by: Richard Ferrone
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About this listen

The untold story of Leon Crane, the only surviving crew member of a World War II B-24 crash on a remote mountain near the Arctic Circle, who managed to stay alive 81 days in sub-zero temperature by making peace with nature, and end his ordeal by walking along a river to safety. Part World War II story, part Alaskan adventure story, part survival story, and even part inspirational story, this is what we call "a good listen".

This is the first full-length retelling of Crane's incredible survivalist story. It has been noted in magazines and in story collections over the years. Most notably, just after the war ended, Crane's story was included in the aptly titled book, The 100 Best True Stories of World War II. Additionally, in the 1970s the story was a part of John McPhee's hot-selling collection of Alaskan survival tales, Coming into the Country.

©2015 Brian Murphy (P)2015 Recorded Books Military Military & War World War II Survival War Alaska Aviation Air Force

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All stars
Most relevant
The author goes off on tangent after tangent, interrupting what is not the most interesting story you'll ever hear.

Not the best survival story you'll hear

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Very good overall but I switched off plenty when the story leaves the main theme of survival in Alaska. It covers everything from politics to ww2 strategies as well as other sub stories of characters within the book. I wanted it to keep with the man ok the ground so was frustrating at times. Overall: good.

Solid story that goes off course at every possible tangent

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20% of the content is about the actual story... rest of it not required... disappointed!

Keeps Deviating away from main story

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I am quite amazed how the author made this potentially fascinating story sooooo boooring. The narrator harsh and dull voice doesn't help either.

Boring

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