The 12th Man: A World War II Story of Escape and Perseverance

Mark kantonen: If you enjoy historical nonfiction and world war ll stories. The story of Jan’s survival and escape from the Gestopo in the Norwegian article. A must read.

United States on May 22, 2023

Andy: If you like reading “Mission Impossible” books this one is for you. Many times, if honest with yourself, you’ll say, “ I’d never have lived through this ordeal.” You’ll get cold just reading the book! I still cannot believe Jan survived.

United States on Feb 20, 2023

ROBERT DEMRO: rate this book at a 10 out of ten

United States on Nov 10, 2022

andy brown: Brilliant book

United Kingdom on Jan 21, 2022

B. J. Ede: Amazing story, a must read book

United Kingdom on Apr 14, 2021

Hiris: The details of this amazing story of survival are all there! The movie of the same title changed and excluded so much. The book was well researched. I found the writing lacking though, creating confusion by inconsistency for example when discussing a character they would switch between using his first name and last name; many had the same first names so the authors should have been careful to be clearer. It seemed the writing was worse towards the end of the book. Also talking about so many towns and the distance between them - would help to have a map showing these, for clarification. They did include some maps for other parts of the escape route. Still a great read.

Canada on Dec 02, 2020

John Clark: This book was a real page turner. It was well written, almost like a thriller, it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was sad and poignant. As ever, in time of war it brought out the best and worst in people. Whilst I initially blamed the locals for telling the Germans about the sabatours, it was entirely understandable given their fear of the Germans.
What would you have done in their place? Fortunately more people were willing to help him - and he survived!

United Kingdom on Jun 10, 2020

M Clement Hall: The subject of the story was in the Norwegian Navy, tasked by SOE with entering Northern Norway to set up observation posts. His ship was attacked before they could begin their mission. The "12th man" was the only one to escape, and his escape is described in day by day detail of magnificent mental and physical courage, walking with only one boot over snow fields, amputating his own gangrenous toes, going days without food.
But outstanding also is the courage of the Norwegians, mostly fisher folk, who aided him at risk not only of their own lives but putting their families and communities at risk.
One cannot help but wonder at the unnecessary brutality of some Germans.
Happily the 12th. man survived and his tale is well told, as it deserves to be.
(I wish the extensive maps were at the beginning of the book, I did not discover them until I had read it.)

United States on Dec 18, 2019

Ron Forest: The true account of Jan Baalsrud’s flight to freedom in Sweden after a failed commando raid in Norway. Tells the story of the unbelievable efforts of Jan B and the compassionate help of people along his escape route who risked their lives to provide assistance. The reader also gains insight regarding what life was like in occupied Norway during the war.

Canada on Jan 06, 2019

YodaBeesh: I watched the movie The 12th Man and felt compelled to read the book. I’m a huge WWII fan. It’s a fascinating story that is extremely well-written and full of intricate details based on interviews and excellent research. There are an enormous number of characters in the story which is a testament to the will of the Norwegian people to help their fellow countryman. I was particularly amazed at the geographic detail of Jan’s twists and turns across the islands, villages, and fjords. I mapped it out on google maps the entire way. If you enjoy stories of survival against enormous odds, then this is the book for you. I think that the book made a lot more sense to me since I watched the movie before hand.

United States on Jun 27, 2018