Colditz cover art

Colditz

Prisoners of the Castle

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Colditz

By: Ben Macintyre
Narrated by: Ben Macintyre
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

In a forbidding Gothic castle on a hilltop in the heart of Nazi Germany, an unlikely band of British officers spent the Second World War plotting daring escapes from their German captors. Or so the story of Colditz has gone, unchallenged for 70 years. But that tale contains only part of the truth.

The astonishing inside story, revealed for the first time by bestselling historian Ben Macintyre, is a tale of the indomitable human spirit, but also one of class conflict, homosexuality, espionage, insanity and farce. Through an astonishing range of material, Macintyre reveals a remarkable cast of characters, wider than previously seen and hitherto hidden from history, taking in prisoners and captors who were living cheek-by-jowl in a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

From the elitist members of the Colditz Bullingdon Club to America's oldest paratrooper and least successful secret agent, the soldier-prisoners of Colditz were courageous and resilient as well as vulnerable and fearful—and astonishingly imaginative in their desperate escape attempts. Deeply researched and full of incredible human stories, this is the definitive book on Colditz.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Ben Macintyre (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Europe Germany Military War Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
I’m just sad I’ve finished this wonderful book. A fascinating account of life in Colditz during WW2. Unexpectedly hilarious and often very moving. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone I know. Read excellently by the author.

Excellent

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Another Ben Macintyre classic. Love his writing, reading and always his subject matter. Brilliant as always!

Colditz

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A riveting telling of a story I thought I knew well, having watched the 1950’s movie and subsequent 1970’s TV series.
This book sheds light on elements of the story previously untold. Highly recommend.

An unbiased telling of the full story of Colditz prison.

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I have always enjoyed Ben’s books immensely whether that be in audio or written format. This one is no exception. He writes (and reads) in the style of a gripping novel and his subject matter is always fascinating.

Another Ben gem

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Detailed history of an iconic symbol for both sides during the conflict.
Highlights the hierarchical nature of officers and subalterns but ultimately the sheer bravado courage belligerence and boredom endured

Comprehensive History of a much mentioned but rarely understood iconic symbol

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