The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill

One of the most famous true stories from the last war, The GREAT ESCAPE tells how more than six hundred men in a German prisoner-of-war camp worked together to achieve an extraordinary break-out. Every night for a year they dug tunnels, and those who weren't digging forged passports, drew maps, faked weapons and tailored German uniforms and civilian clothes to wear once they had escaped. All of this was conducted under the very noses of their prison guards. When the right night came, the actual escape itself was timed to the split second - but of course, not everything went according to plan...

 Audible Audio

7 hours, 36 minutes

Published June 19, 2009 

by Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5/5 stars

Over the years, I have watched bits and pieces of this movie, The Great Escape, since it is one of my husband's favorites. It has an all star cast, some good musical vibes, and tells the story of some brave POWs in World War II. There were some crazy scenarios played out as these prisoners tunnelled 30 feet deep and over 200 feet to escape. There were other things that took place - obtaining authentic passes and identification cards, travel vouchers and even clothing and accessories to make these men blend into society. It’s an entertaining movie, but unbeknown to me this is based on a true story.

Written in 1950 by one of the prisoners, Paul Brickhill, an Australian pilot, he told the story of what actually happened. And it is pretty darn close to the movie which makes this story all the more compelling.

We listen to this audiobook on a recent road trip, though the audiobook comes in at 7 1/2 hours, the time flew by.  Paul Rickman was methodical in his attention to detail, how this group were able to make such a large tunnel so deep in the ground, how the forgeries took place and all the things that I mentioned above.

The Great Escape, well entertaining is a story of courage and resilience, but also sad and heartbreaking. Brickhill researched the last part meticulously to find out what exactly happened to those that got out.  Definitely an audio I recommend.

I obtained the audiobook through Audible, it was a free read with my account.