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Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story
Only four men survived the plane crash. The pilot. A politician. A cop... and the criminal he was shackled to.
On an icy night in October 1984, a commuter plane carrying nine passengers crashed in the remote wilderness of northern Alberta, killing six people. Four the rookie pilot, a prominent politician, a cop, and the criminal he was escorting to face charges. Despite the poor weather, Erik Vogel, the 24-year-old pilot, was under intense pressure to fly. Larry Shaben, the author's father and Canada's first Muslim Cabinet Minister, was commuting home after a busy week at the Alberta Legislature. Constable Scott Deschamps was escorting Paul Archambault, a drifter wanted on an outstanding warrant. Against regulations, Archambault's handcuffs were removed-a decision that would profoundly impact the men's survival.
As the men fight through the night to stay alive, the dividing lines of power, wealth, and status are erased, and each man is forced to confront the precious and limited nature of his existence.
On an icy night in October 1984, a commuter plane carrying nine passengers crashed in the remote wilderness of northern Alberta, killing six people. Four the rookie pilot, a prominent politician, a cop, and the criminal he was escorting to face charges. Despite the poor weather, Erik Vogel, the 24-year-old pilot, was under intense pressure to fly. Larry Shaben, the author's father and Canada's first Muslim Cabinet Minister, was commuting home after a busy week at the Alberta Legislature. Constable Scott Deschamps was escorting Paul Archambault, a drifter wanted on an outstanding warrant. Against regulations, Archambault's handcuffs were removed-a decision that would profoundly impact the men's survival.
As the men fight through the night to stay alive, the dividing lines of power, wealth, and status are erased, and each man is forced to confront the precious and limited nature of his existence.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2013
525 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Carol Shaben
10 books28 followersCarol Shaben is an award winning journalist and author. Nominated as Canada's Best New Magazine writer, she is a recipient of two National Magazine Awards including a Gold Medal for Investigative Journalism.
"Into the Abyss" sold to Random House Canada within two hours and has been published in the US, UK, Brazil, Spain and Spanish speaking world. It is a National Bestseller, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Pick, a BBC Radio Book of the Week and an Amazon.com Best Book of the Month. Publishers Weekly called Into the Abyss an "electrifying history", the Washington Post deemed it a "deep and satisfying book' and Kirkus Reviews described it as "a complex, chilling narrative rendered with depth and precision." Into the Abyss received the 2013 Edna Staebler National Award for Non-Fiction and was a finalist for the BC Book Prizes Hubert Evan’s Non-Fiction Prize.
"Into the Abyss" sold to Random House Canada within two hours and has been published in the US, UK, Brazil, Spain and Spanish speaking world. It is a National Bestseller, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Pick, a BBC Radio Book of the Week and an Amazon.com Best Book of the Month. Publishers Weekly called Into the Abyss an "electrifying history", the Washington Post deemed it a "deep and satisfying book' and Kirkus Reviews described it as "a complex, chilling narrative rendered with depth and precision." Into the Abyss received the 2013 Edna Staebler National Award for Non-Fiction and was a finalist for the BC Book Prizes Hubert Evan’s Non-Fiction Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 4, 2024
* similar style as into thin air
* She does a really good job of making you feel like your seeing the events through each survivors eyes
* I like that though she writes them all in a sympathetic light she didn’t try and hide any of their failings because doing so would would’ve taken away from the fact that this is a true story that happened to real people
* She does a really good job of making you feel like your seeing the events through each survivors eyes
* I like that though she writes them all in a sympathetic light she didn’t try and hide any of their failings because doing so would would’ve taken away from the fact that this is a true story that happened to real people
January 15, 2024
Carol Shaben's Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story was originally published under the title, Into the Abyss: How a Deadly Plane Crash Changed the Lives of a Pilot, a Politician, a Criminal and a Cop.
Despite its comical length, I actually prefer the original title of this book because it perfectly summarizes exactly what it's about. This is the story of the four men who survived their commuter plane crashing into Canada's northern Alberta wilderness back in 1984.
The author's father was one of the survivors of the plane crash, and it's obvious she's taken a lot of time and care and has done an impressive amount of research to get this story right and to do so respectfully.
This book is Carol Shaben's love letter to her father and to the value of the lives that weren't lost that night. It's quite beautiful.
But why didn't I give it 5 stars?
I guess my biggest complaint here is that I would estimate that only like 30% of this book describes the plane crash itself. The vast majority of this narrative describes the lives of the four survivors both before and after the plane crash, primarily focusing on the pilot.
I mean, we start from his youthful dreams of being a pilot, follow him through flight school, getting his pilot's license, and eventually getting his first big flying contract. Shaben's father was a famous political figure at the time, so we get to read a good amount about his career before and after the crash.
All of these men are unique and interesting people, but by far the most compelling life story is that of Paul, the criminal mentioned in title #1. Not only did he help everyone to survive that night, but it's worth noting that one of people he helped was the constable who had been escorting him between prisons.
I have to admit that I enjoyed reading about all of these men and their lives before and after the crash, but if you go into this book expecting a harrowing and intense winter survival story, you might be disappointed. I mean, they only had to survive for a night before they were rescued and I really don't mean to minimalize the trauma of what they went through.
However, I can't help but think about the woman who survived for 5 days buried, immobile, in the snow and rubble of the Alpine Meadows avalanche, or the rugby team who spent 72 days in the Andes mountains after their plane crashed, or the crew of the Belgica who spent over a year ice locked at sea.
Again, I don't want to minimalize what the four survivors of this plane crash went through, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was disappointed to find how little of this book was a survival story. It's much more about the living that took place before and after that.
I rated Carol Shaben's Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story 4 out of 5 stars.
This is an extraordinary story, but it's more about how the lives of the survivors were changed than the actual events that changed them.
Despite its comical length, I actually prefer the original title of this book because it perfectly summarizes exactly what it's about. This is the story of the four men who survived their commuter plane crashing into Canada's northern Alberta wilderness back in 1984.
The author's father was one of the survivors of the plane crash, and it's obvious she's taken a lot of time and care and has done an impressive amount of research to get this story right and to do so respectfully.
This book is Carol Shaben's love letter to her father and to the value of the lives that weren't lost that night. It's quite beautiful.
But why didn't I give it 5 stars?
I guess my biggest complaint here is that I would estimate that only like 30% of this book describes the plane crash itself. The vast majority of this narrative describes the lives of the four survivors both before and after the plane crash, primarily focusing on the pilot.
I mean, we start from his youthful dreams of being a pilot, follow him through flight school, getting his pilot's license, and eventually getting his first big flying contract. Shaben's father was a famous political figure at the time, so we get to read a good amount about his career before and after the crash.
All of these men are unique and interesting people, but by far the most compelling life story is that of Paul, the criminal mentioned in title #1. Not only did he help everyone to survive that night, but it's worth noting that one of people he helped was the constable who had been escorting him between prisons.
I have to admit that I enjoyed reading about all of these men and their lives before and after the crash, but if you go into this book expecting a harrowing and intense winter survival story, you might be disappointed. I mean, they only had to survive for a night before they were rescued and I really don't mean to minimalize the trauma of what they went through.
However, I can't help but think about the woman who survived for 5 days buried, immobile, in the snow and rubble of the Alpine Meadows avalanche, or the rugby team who spent 72 days in the Andes mountains after their plane crashed, or the crew of the Belgica who spent over a year ice locked at sea.
Again, I don't want to minimalize what the four survivors of this plane crash went through, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was disappointed to find how little of this book was a survival story. It's much more about the living that took place before and after that.
I rated Carol Shaben's Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story 4 out of 5 stars.
This is an extraordinary story, but it's more about how the lives of the survivors were changed than the actual events that changed them.
December 1, 2025
Interesting story told by the daughter of one of the survivors. Some parts held my attention other areas of the book didn’t. Book club read.
January 30, 2025
Really interesting story about survivors of a small plane crash in Canada. Focuses on how the survivors lives changed after the crash and the need for changes in regulations of the airplane company policies. Enjoyed but it went a bit long…but glad I read it.
February 15, 2026
Incredible story all around. Amazing that four survived and then to hear about the life they try to lead afterwards. Sad for some and redeeming for others. Life comes at different moments. Some bigger than others. Some stay with us in shared experiences that last a lifetime. How could they not?
Made me think of the bike riding guy that collapsed on Juanita Drive in 2020 and several of us started giving medical attention all at once…CPR and an AED later, we didn’t know if he made it or not when the paramedics arrived. 5 days later, I found out he lived. I wonder what the other people’s stories are of the events are to this day? Traumatic events need debriefing.
Can’t imagine the f’ed up experience of living through a plane crash like that. But this book does and does it all with incredible description.
Made me think of the bike riding guy that collapsed on Juanita Drive in 2020 and several of us started giving medical attention all at once…CPR and an AED later, we didn’t know if he made it or not when the paramedics arrived. 5 days later, I found out he lived. I wonder what the other people’s stories are of the events are to this day? Traumatic events need debriefing.
Can’t imagine the f’ed up experience of living through a plane crash like that. But this book does and does it all with incredible description.
February 17, 2025
A gripping story that weaves together the lives of plane crash survivors and their rescuers. The multiple perspectives provide a full look into both the immediate aftermath and the long-term impact of survival. While the author occasionally diverts into boastful reflections on her father’s (a survivor) political career—details that feel unnecessary—the heart of the book remains a compelling tale of resilience.
November 27, 2024
Powerful
A gripping tale of the events leading up to a plane crash in Canada’s remote north land that claimed the lives of 6 people — and how it impacted the lives of the four survivors. The first have was hard to put down. The second half will cause you to think about what’s really important in life.
A gripping tale of the events leading up to a plane crash in Canada’s remote north land that claimed the lives of 6 people — and how it impacted the lives of the four survivors. The first have was hard to put down. The second half will cause you to think about what’s really important in life.
January 5, 2025
Interesting event but this is the first book in yeaaaaars that I haven’t wanted to finish. SO much unnecessary detail, hard to stay engaged, honestly a bore ): also, I wish the deaths of the other passengers were honored more!! No tribute to them or anything - just follows the survivors post - crash for 150 pages
July 10, 2025
This is a remarkable story told by the daughter of one of four survivors of a plane crash in Alberta Canada. The book explores the aviation industry and the special challenges of small airlines that transport people in sparsely populated locations with rugged terrain. But it's not just a story about the crash and how the four survivors were rescued, but about how the experience changed their lives and bonded them together for years to come. The book is a well-written inspirational experience. Recommend highly if your looking for something real.
December 28, 2025
The for two thirds of the book leading up the crash, during the crash, and some of the events after were well written and interesting. The last third however seemed to get into an unnecessary amount of detail about the lives of the survivors after the crash. Some of the information was relevant but most of it felt excessive and unrelated to the rest of the book.
January 1, 2026
2 ⭐️s
This is one of those books where the story itself is undeniably interesting, i just cant say the same thing about the reading experience.
Nothing here is bad, it just never fully comes alive. The pacing drags, the delivery feels flat, and what should have been compelling ended up feeling like a bit of a slog.
final thought--> I finished it, but it felt like work.
This is one of those books where the story itself is undeniably interesting, i just cant say the same thing about the reading experience.
Nothing here is bad, it just never fully comes alive. The pacing drags, the delivery feels flat, and what should have been compelling ended up feeling like a bit of a slog.
final thought--> I finished it, but it felt like work.
January 18, 2026
Incredibly written and captivating. The ending brought tears to my eyes. The authors ability to weave together the lives of these four men in the aftermath of the crash inspired me and reminds me that life is a gift.
I also learned a great deal about aviation and the hazards that exist in the commuter air industry. Won’t be looking to board planes in “the bush” anytime soon.
I also learned a great deal about aviation and the hazards that exist in the commuter air industry. Won’t be looking to board planes in “the bush” anytime soon.
December 27, 2024
incredible story
The bonds that formed between 4 strangers during that fateful accident is testament to human’s ability to love and respect. A story of tragedy and redemption told in a compelling manner.
The bonds that formed between 4 strangers during that fateful accident is testament to human’s ability to love and respect. A story of tragedy and redemption told in a compelling manner.
February 19, 2025
A plane crash takes flight
A wonderful book about a tragic incident that brought out the best in the men who survived. Shaben writes with great attention to detail that gives honor to their stories and lives.
A wonderful book about a tragic incident that brought out the best in the men who survived. Shaben writes with great attention to detail that gives honor to their stories and lives.
February 26, 2025
Fantastic Read
A great story of tragedy, perseverance, redemption, and friendship. Thought provoking, well written and easy to read. Fascinating learning about the lives of the survivors after the event.
A great story of tragedy, perseverance, redemption, and friendship. Thought provoking, well written and easy to read. Fascinating learning about the lives of the survivors after the event.
February 28, 2025
A survival story dealing more with the aftermath than the event, well written, and interesting. Stumbled on this through Against The Odds and appreciate the room this recounting gives to nuance in the story.
January 15, 2026
Enjoyed the book, very interesting story. A bit concerning if you fly on small commuter planes but it brings to light the lengths companies go to in order to stay in business. I liked that they followed the survivors lives after the crash.
Well written and a real easy read.
Well written and a real easy read.
May 2, 2024
This book was written in such a simple but sophisticated way. I was moved by the story and everyone involved. Absolutely heartbreaking and inspiring.
January 9, 2025
Neat story but hard to get through. Sooo many unnecessary details.
January 19, 2025
Interesting and thought provoking
It was very well written and it made you feel like you were right there with them at the.crash site.
It was very well written and it made you feel like you were right there with them at the.crash site.
March 11, 2025
Started out well, but by the middle to last half was sort of all over the place. Still an interesting read.
April 17, 2025
Reading about people’s real lives gives you hope and inspiration for your own. The author put a lot of time and effort into this book. Small things can make a difference for others!
June 7, 2025
The first half of the book was good. After the second part finished I didn’t feel a sense of excitement to continue reading on. Wish the first half of the book would have played out a little longer
July 12, 2025
breathing story
Very well written and non stop reading to the last page.If you like nonfiction true story this is the book which you should read.
Very well written and non stop reading to the last page.If you like nonfiction true story this is the book which you should read.
July 21, 2025
Read this book
This book was very well written and kept me turning pages faster than usual. It’s a wonderful story of survival and a larger appreciation of life. Great book!
This book was very well written and kept me turning pages faster than usual. It’s a wonderful story of survival and a larger appreciation of life. Great book!
August 28, 2025
Very well written. I didn’t initially realize it was a true story.
September 5, 2025
Just a nicebook
Well written as real life adventure but a very sober ending I’m a picky reader but this held my attention throughout
Well written as real life adventure but a very sober ending I’m a picky reader but this held my attention throughout
October 7, 2025
intrigued throughout the whole book, would recommend to anyone unless you fly on small planes a lot
October 10, 2025
Good read
Interesting survival story and look back and ahead of their lives. At times, story jumped around too much or moved slowly. Overall, give it 3.5 stars
Interesting survival story and look back and ahead of their lives. At times, story jumped around too much or moved slowly. Overall, give it 3.5 stars
October 26, 2025
True Story
An amazing true story, but the book is very wordy. So detailed, that I became bored and skipped through pages.
An amazing true story, but the book is very wordy. So detailed, that I became bored and skipped through pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews