Shadow Divers The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II
Author: Robert Kurson
In the tradition of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air and Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm comes a true tale of riveting adventure in which two weekend scuba divers risk everything to solve a great historical mystery–and make history themselves. — For John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, deep wreck diving was more tha...more »
ISBN-13: 9780375760983
ISBN-10: 0375760989
Publication Date: 5/24/2005
Pages: 416
Rating:
65
4.4 stars, based on 65 ratings
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member|Amazon|Write a Review
Top Member Book Reviews
Leesa G. (leesag) reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Shadow Divers immediately sucks you into the story, with a ton of unfolding drama and mystery. Where did this sub come from? How did it come to rest off the coast of New Jersey?
I knew nothing about Scuba Diving before I read this book, but that didn't matter. If you're unfamiliar with the sport, Kurson explains everything in detail, but not at the risk of boring you. He does an excellent job tackling the ins and outs so that you're left with an understanding of what's going on and yet you're not overwhelmed.
While balancing technical details, he manages to draw you into a riveting story of discovery and drama. The book revolves around several men intent on discovering the secrets the U-boat left behind; by the end of the book you really feel for these men and all they've experienced in trying to discover the mystery. They really sacrified a lot, as the U-boat wasn't only deadly for her crew, but for a handful of divers who explored her.
Highly recommended. This book started a bit of an avalanche effect for me and I immediately delved into other scuba diving action books like "Deep Descent", "Last Dive", etc.
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Alice M. (alice0427) reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Absolutely fascinating story about John Chatterton, Richie Kohler, and other deep-sea divers who discover a World War II German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey.They spend six years trying to identify it and when they do, they re-write history books. You will also be drawn into that special world of divers who search for wrecks yet unidentified.
Very, very well written by Robert Kurson. I couldn't put it down, even cancelling some appointments with oh, so flimsy excuses!!!
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Valerie and Jay S. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on
Helpful Score: 2
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson tells the true story of two American wreck divers who discover a sunken U-boat off the coast of New Jersey where the historical records say none should exist. Over the course of several years they risk death (at least three other divers die while exploring the U-Boat) and their marriages searching for the identity of the U-Boat, both underwater and in historical archives.
Robert Kurson makes this historical narrative an exciting story in addition to being a very well researched piece of true history. If you are interested in WWII or Scuba Diving I strongly recommend this book.
Literary Quality: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
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Susan S. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This true account of deep sea divers discovery of a sunken U-boat off the coast of New Jersey and their attempts to identify it is spell binding. It's a mystery that's non-fiction. Through Robert Kurson's narration, you find yourself enthralled with every step of their journey. You get to know some members of the crew of the U-boat. The difficulties the divers endured carries you with them as they uncover the story of the ill fated sub.
Anyone who loves history will love this book. When I spoke to friends about it, the first question was "did this really happen?" and the answer is yes. Highly recommend this well written book.
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Stephanie A. (benswife) reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on
Helpful Score: 2
Captivating, fascinating. Perfect for anyone who would like a fast paced and true story. Well written, could not put it down~!
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Andrew C. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on
Incredibly compelling.
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Peter S. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on
This is more than just a story about danger. It really breaks down different winning personalities. Tells us what makes them winners.
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Sean S. (gtown) reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 16 more book reviews
A thriller, a mystery, a U-boat history and diving lessons all in one. An amazing but true story and a gripping read.
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Elizabeth H. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 2 more book reviews
I requested this because I heard Neko Case talking about how interesting it was. And it was interesting. I learned a lot about Diving. Unfortunately it was so poorly written/organized that I haven't been able to finish it.
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Keri P. (kpastva) reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 2 more book reviews
Good book
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Jonathan D. (raysfanj) reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on
A great and incredible story. Reads like a thriller from start to finish.
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Bev O. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 3 more book reviews
I did not read this book but my husband did, and he couldn't put it down. He stayed up until 2:00am to finish it. He said it was a fabulous read and he is already passing this book along to others. Great book!
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Wendy W. reviewed Shadow Divers : The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II on + 4 more book reviews
Fantastic read!! You will not be able to put this one down.
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Alan L. -
This was a very good book that was very hard to put down. The story about how this U boat was discovered and the mystery of how it ended up off of New Jersey was fascinating. A book that is actually a quick read due to it well placed stroy. The author does insert a chapter in some places that seems out of place, but in the end the book has a very nice flow to it.
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Read All Book Reviews of "Shadow Divers The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II"
Book Wiki
People/Characters
John Chatterton (Primary Character)
Richie Kohler (Primary Character)
Real Places
Germany
New Jersey
Washington, D.C.
Important Events
World War 2
Genres:
- History >> Europe >> Germany >> General
- History >> Military >> World War II >> General
- History >> Military >> World War II >> Naval
