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Sabotage: The Mission to Destroy Hitler's Atomic Bomb
A stunning adventure involving Nazis, nukes, fighting, failure, and everyday heroes, from the author of the award-winning The Nazi Hunters.
Neal Bascomb delivers another nail-biting work of nonfiction for young adults in this incredible true story of spies and survival.
The invasion begins at night, with German cruisers slipping into harbor, and soon the Nazis occupy all of Norway. They station soldiers throughout the country. They institute martial rule. And at Vemork, an industrial fortress high above a dizzying gorge, they gain access to an essential ingredient for the weapon that could end World War II: Hitler’s very own nuclear bomb.
When the Allies discover the plans for the bomb, they agree Vemork must be destroyed. But after a British operation fails to stop the Nazis’ deadly designs, the task falls to a band of young Norwegian commandos. Armed with little more than skis, explosives, and great courage, they will survive months in the snowy wilderness, elude a huge manhunt, and execute two dangerous missions. The result? The greatest act of sabotage in all of World War II.
Neal Bascomb delivers another nail-biting work of nonfiction for young adults in this incredible true story of spies and survival.
The invasion begins at night, with German cruisers slipping into harbor, and soon the Nazis occupy all of Norway. They station soldiers throughout the country. They institute martial rule. And at Vemork, an industrial fortress high above a dizzying gorge, they gain access to an essential ingredient for the weapon that could end World War II: Hitler’s very own nuclear bomb.
When the Allies discover the plans for the bomb, they agree Vemork must be destroyed. But after a British operation fails to stop the Nazis’ deadly designs, the task falls to a band of young Norwegian commandos. Armed with little more than skis, explosives, and great courage, they will survive months in the snowy wilderness, elude a huge manhunt, and execute two dangerous missions. The result? The greatest act of sabotage in all of World War II.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2016
116 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Neal Bascomb
19 books455 followersNeal Bascomb is a national award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of a number of books, all non-fiction narratives, all focused on inspiring stories of adventure or achievement. His work has been translated into over 18 languages, featured in several documentaries, and optioned for major film and television projects.
Born in Colorado and raised in St. Louis, he is the product of public school and lots of time playing hockey. He earned a double degree in Economics and English Literature at Miami University (Ohio), lived in Europe for several years as a journalist (London, Dublin, and Paris), and worked as an editor at St. Martin’s Press (New York). In 2000, he started writing books full time.
His first book HIGHER was selected for the Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writer award and was featured in a History Channel documentary. His second THE PERFECT MILE was a New York Times bestseller and frequently ranks as one of the top books on running. His third RED MUTINY won the United States Maritime Literature Award and critical acclaim around the world. His fourth HUNTING EICHMANN was an international bestseller and led to a young adult edition called NAZI HUNTERS that was the 2014 winner of the YALSA Award, Sydney Taylor Book Award (Gold Medal), among numerous others. His fifth book THE NEW COOL was optioned by major producer Scott Rudin for film. His sixth ONE MORE STEP, focused on the first man with cerebral palsy to climb Kilimanjaro and finish the Kona Ironman, was a New York Times bestseller as well.
An avid hiker, skier, and coffee drinker, he is happily settled in Seattle, Washington with his family.
Born in Colorado and raised in St. Louis, he is the product of public school and lots of time playing hockey. He earned a double degree in Economics and English Literature at Miami University (Ohio), lived in Europe for several years as a journalist (London, Dublin, and Paris), and worked as an editor at St. Martin’s Press (New York). In 2000, he started writing books full time.
His first book HIGHER was selected for the Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writer award and was featured in a History Channel documentary. His second THE PERFECT MILE was a New York Times bestseller and frequently ranks as one of the top books on running. His third RED MUTINY won the United States Maritime Literature Award and critical acclaim around the world. His fourth HUNTING EICHMANN was an international bestseller and led to a young adult edition called NAZI HUNTERS that was the 2014 winner of the YALSA Award, Sydney Taylor Book Award (Gold Medal), among numerous others. His fifth book THE NEW COOL was optioned by major producer Scott Rudin for film. His sixth ONE MORE STEP, focused on the first man with cerebral palsy to climb Kilimanjaro and finish the Kona Ironman, was a New York Times bestseller as well.
An avid hiker, skier, and coffee drinker, he is happily settled in Seattle, Washington with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 4, 2017
I thought this was a very interesting book. It explains really well what it was like to be on the Vidda in Norway, and at the same time on a secret mission. The perspectives are split up, explaining what was happening in Germany on one page and explaining what was happening in Norway on the other page, which made it slightly confusing for me to keep up with what was happening. But overall, a pretty good book.
July 3, 2017
This book is so fantastic. It recounts the efforts of a small group of Norwegian resistance fighters to destroy the supply of "heavy water" being produced at the Vemork power plant outside Rjukan, Norway, during WWII. I knew absolutely nothing about any of this, and I read this book in one day because I simply couldn't put it down. Yes, you can get bogged down with the names and places and science, but it can be argued that if this small group of extraordinary men had failed at two main missions, perhaps Nazi Germany would have been in possession of atomic weapons and changed the course of the war.
This book is the YA version of Neal Bascomb's The Winter Fortress (which I find interesting, to write an adult and YA version of the same book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2.... He also wrote The Nazi Hunters which won a nonfiction award in 2014. Incredible amount of research; just check out the bibliography and notes pages. I would recommend pairing this book with the graphic novel Trinity: A graphic history of the first atomic bomb. As a non-science person who just liked to read about science, this graphic novel easily explains the science behind atomic weapons. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
This book is the YA version of Neal Bascomb's The Winter Fortress (which I find interesting, to write an adult and YA version of the same book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2.... He also wrote The Nazi Hunters which won a nonfiction award in 2014. Incredible amount of research; just check out the bibliography and notes pages. I would recommend pairing this book with the graphic novel Trinity: A graphic history of the first atomic bomb. As a non-science person who just liked to read about science, this graphic novel easily explains the science behind atomic weapons. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
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November 6, 2016I feel like really appealing nonfiction can make someone who dislikes or is disinterested in a topic find something worth grasping and that's what keeps them going. This didn't do it for me. It was too slow, too heavy in relaying facts-facts-facts, and there wasn't enough narrative thread or emotional depth to make me connect.
October 13, 2018
amazing heroics...such brave men who managed to accomplish so much in the harshest of conditions
July 22, 2016
SABOTAGE: THE MISSION TO DESTROY HITLER’S ATOMIC BOMBS by Neal Bascomb is a young adult edition of the best selling adult book “The Winter Fortress”.
This nonfiction narrative tells the true story of a band of young Norwegian commandos who survive in the winter wilderness and execute two dangerous missions to sabotage Nazi plans to build a nuclear bomb. Filled with technical details and vivid descriptions, Bascomb successful brings this historical event to life for readers.
Librarians will find that this fast-paced story of WWII era espionage will be popular among teens who enjoy historical fiction, military works, and narrative nonfiction. The author’s use of primary source documents including many photographs and maps add authenticity and drama to this true story. Add this title to the library’s growing number of quality works of narrative nonfiction for young adults.
Published by Scholastic on May 31, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
This nonfiction narrative tells the true story of a band of young Norwegian commandos who survive in the winter wilderness and execute two dangerous missions to sabotage Nazi plans to build a nuclear bomb. Filled with technical details and vivid descriptions, Bascomb successful brings this historical event to life for readers.
Librarians will find that this fast-paced story of WWII era espionage will be popular among teens who enjoy historical fiction, military works, and narrative nonfiction. The author’s use of primary source documents including many photographs and maps add authenticity and drama to this true story. Add this title to the library’s growing number of quality works of narrative nonfiction for young adults.
Published by Scholastic on May 31, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
April 25, 2016
Excellent non-fiction which takes place during WWII. Most of the action takes place in Norway along with some in Great Britain. The narrative reads like an adventure with plenty of history along with some science thrown in for good measure as this story is all about physics and atomic science. There is a great deal about outdoor survival in some of the worst imaginable weather and how the hardy souls involved managed to keep up their strength, spirits and courage while evading the Germans in order to carry out their plans. Recommended for middle and high school as well as public libraries. Adults will enjoy this also.
July 30, 2016
Amazing that this small group of brave men was able to prevent Hitler from getting the materials he needed to develop a nuclear bomb. Riveting.
July 25, 2024
Such a well written and excellent book. The trials and accomplishments of this team of Norwegian's was truly incredible. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you Neil Bascomb for educating us with this important part in history so that it can be remembered for much more than 100 years.
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April 9, 2016[ARC courtesy Amazon Vine program]
This book, meant for readers age 12 and up, is part of a tandem release by author Neal Bascomb. It and its sibling for adults, The Winter Fortress, both tell of Norwegian resistance to German occupation during WWII. The focus in Sabotage is on a joint Norwegian-British attempt to render a hydroelectric power plant inoperable. At the behest of the Nazis, workers at Vemork are producing "heavy water," which scientists believe will be a crucial component in the development and creation of an atomic bomb.
Bascomb carefully establishes the context for this resistance effort, both in terms of the science underpinning the importance of "heavy water" and in the relative strength in numbers the German occupiers possess. We meet several of the men who would become involved in the mission against Vemork in the early days of the invasion of Norway, and learn about their instruction in tradecraft.
Once they return to Norway, they poise in readiness in the Vedda, a largely inhospitable, largely frozen expanse that is the domain of expert hunters and skiers, a place that the invading Germans avoid. Their preparations, challenges and privations make for gripping reading, and Bascomb does not stint in showing the rigors they undergo.
The book is largely chronological, and is augmented by a number of maps that help make the events in unfamiliar places easier to follow. A variety of photos show the key people involved, details about Vemork, tools and equipment to which the saboteurs trusted their lives, and images of the Vedda to help drive home how rugged existing there was.
As for the goal of rendering Vemork unusable, this is a non-spoiler review, so all I will say is that Bascomb is clear and specific without being graphic. Injuries and deaths occur largely offscreen in a way that makes the human costs vivid without causing trauma to young readers.
In his afterword, Bascomb writes of wanting to paint a rich portrait of each of the participants. He is explicit about his process of interviewing descendants as well as reviewing historical materials, including the participants' memoirs, diaries and interviews.
I mention this for two reasons. First, although this is written with younger readers in mind, it is also robustly academic, with everything from a detailing of heavy water and the quest for atomic power to what goes into training for a guerrilla-style infiltration and attack. Second, Bascomb has the good sense to enable these resistance heroes to speak across the generations. For example, he quotes extensively from one man's letter to his 10-year-old daughter about why he is overseas, helping to plan missions that will help bring war and the invasion of their country to an end:
"When we say 'Our Fatherland,' we mean everything we love at home: mother, little boy and you, and all the other fathers and mothers and children," writes Leif Tronstad. "We mean our home villages. We mean the hills, mountains and forests, the lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, waterfall and fjords. The smell of new hay in summer, of birches in spring, of the sea, and even the biting winter cold. Everything ... Norwegian songs and music and so much, much more. That's our Fatherland and that's what we have to fight to get back."
This book, meant for readers age 12 and up, is part of a tandem release by author Neal Bascomb. It and its sibling for adults, The Winter Fortress, both tell of Norwegian resistance to German occupation during WWII. The focus in Sabotage is on a joint Norwegian-British attempt to render a hydroelectric power plant inoperable. At the behest of the Nazis, workers at Vemork are producing "heavy water," which scientists believe will be a crucial component in the development and creation of an atomic bomb.
Bascomb carefully establishes the context for this resistance effort, both in terms of the science underpinning the importance of "heavy water" and in the relative strength in numbers the German occupiers possess. We meet several of the men who would become involved in the mission against Vemork in the early days of the invasion of Norway, and learn about their instruction in tradecraft.
Once they return to Norway, they poise in readiness in the Vedda, a largely inhospitable, largely frozen expanse that is the domain of expert hunters and skiers, a place that the invading Germans avoid. Their preparations, challenges and privations make for gripping reading, and Bascomb does not stint in showing the rigors they undergo.
The book is largely chronological, and is augmented by a number of maps that help make the events in unfamiliar places easier to follow. A variety of photos show the key people involved, details about Vemork, tools and equipment to which the saboteurs trusted their lives, and images of the Vedda to help drive home how rugged existing there was.
As for the goal of rendering Vemork unusable, this is a non-spoiler review, so all I will say is that Bascomb is clear and specific without being graphic. Injuries and deaths occur largely offscreen in a way that makes the human costs vivid without causing trauma to young readers.
In his afterword, Bascomb writes of wanting to paint a rich portrait of each of the participants. He is explicit about his process of interviewing descendants as well as reviewing historical materials, including the participants' memoirs, diaries and interviews.
I mention this for two reasons. First, although this is written with younger readers in mind, it is also robustly academic, with everything from a detailing of heavy water and the quest for atomic power to what goes into training for a guerrilla-style infiltration and attack. Second, Bascomb has the good sense to enable these resistance heroes to speak across the generations. For example, he quotes extensively from one man's letter to his 10-year-old daughter about why he is overseas, helping to plan missions that will help bring war and the invasion of their country to an end:
"When we say 'Our Fatherland,' we mean everything we love at home: mother, little boy and you, and all the other fathers and mothers and children," writes Leif Tronstad. "We mean our home villages. We mean the hills, mountains and forests, the lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, waterfall and fjords. The smell of new hay in summer, of birches in spring, of the sea, and even the biting winter cold. Everything ... Norwegian songs and music and so much, much more. That's our Fatherland and that's what we have to fight to get back."
April 27, 2018
Sabotage by Neal Bascomb is easily one of the coolest books I’ve ever read. To sum it up in the most basic way possible, the book tells a thoroughly compelling non-fiction account of the sabotage of the Norsk hydroelectric plant during the German occupation of Norway in world war two. I realize I’m begging this review with very strong words in favor of the book but that’s simply because I really enjoyed the book that much. Interestingly enough, I found this book as a result of my general distaste toward reading. I had yet again neglected to bring a book to my ninth grade English class so I was required to take one from the front of the room. I would normally just grab some random book, sit down, and sort of just skim over the text while thinking about something else but, for whatever reason, this book really stood out to me. I think it was mainly due to the fact that it was a nonfiction account rather than the typical fantasy or sci-fi book I’ve grown so tired of.
The book begins with the nighttime invasion of Norway in 1940, in which the Germans swiftly and easily take control of the country just by sheer military power. The intention of the attack is soon after revealed to be the purpose of control over the top producer in the world of heavy water, an ingredient crucial to the production of nuclear warfare. When the Allies hear the word of the Nazi’s intention they immediately decide the plant must be destroyed at all costs, as a Nazi atomic bomb would no doubt spell the loss of the war. However, the intense cold and rugged winter terrain prove to be far too harsh for the British soldiers so the mission is handed off to a group of young Norwegian commandos equipped with plenty of experience with the bitter cold Vidda and an intense passion to halt the Nazi regime that is plaguing the country they love.
I just loved this book.The story of the book is like a spy film. It has suspense, action, chase scenes, and, most importantly, espionage. While I was reading the book and getting lost in the insane story I often found myself realizing “wow, all this stuff actually happened.” That was, perhaps, my favorite part of the book. It’s what really made it stand out against all of the other stories I’ve read. A story that is so amazing that it’s hardly believable at all.
The only real complaint I would have with the book is that it’s very hard to keep track of all the characters though, now that I’m writing this down, I realize that that’s hardly a valid complaint at all. After all, you can’t change what actually happened and who was involved. Plus, the book even includes a handy list of the characters after the table of contents which lists characters and separates them into groups which refer to the operations they were involved in.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story stands out to me as easily one of the most interesting I’ve ever read and Neal Bascomb does a great job of writing it in a very engaging way. This book is great for you If you love history, spy movies, or both. I am looking forward to reading The Winter Fortress, Neal Bascomb’s more in-depth account of the same event.
The book begins with the nighttime invasion of Norway in 1940, in which the Germans swiftly and easily take control of the country just by sheer military power. The intention of the attack is soon after revealed to be the purpose of control over the top producer in the world of heavy water, an ingredient crucial to the production of nuclear warfare. When the Allies hear the word of the Nazi’s intention they immediately decide the plant must be destroyed at all costs, as a Nazi atomic bomb would no doubt spell the loss of the war. However, the intense cold and rugged winter terrain prove to be far too harsh for the British soldiers so the mission is handed off to a group of young Norwegian commandos equipped with plenty of experience with the bitter cold Vidda and an intense passion to halt the Nazi regime that is plaguing the country they love.
I just loved this book.The story of the book is like a spy film. It has suspense, action, chase scenes, and, most importantly, espionage. While I was reading the book and getting lost in the insane story I often found myself realizing “wow, all this stuff actually happened.” That was, perhaps, my favorite part of the book. It’s what really made it stand out against all of the other stories I’ve read. A story that is so amazing that it’s hardly believable at all.
The only real complaint I would have with the book is that it’s very hard to keep track of all the characters though, now that I’m writing this down, I realize that that’s hardly a valid complaint at all. After all, you can’t change what actually happened and who was involved. Plus, the book even includes a handy list of the characters after the table of contents which lists characters and separates them into groups which refer to the operations they were involved in.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story stands out to me as easily one of the most interesting I’ve ever read and Neal Bascomb does a great job of writing it in a very engaging way. This book is great for you If you love history, spy movies, or both. I am looking forward to reading The Winter Fortress, Neal Bascomb’s more in-depth account of the same event.
January 4, 2018
The plot is that the Nazi's invade Norway. Norway fights and lost all of its forces. A few locos go to Britain to get special training. They go to Norway and blow up a heavy water plant and help stop the production of heavy water.
The theme of the book sabotage is, keeping friends is important. The first reason is in the book they have to survive the Norwegian winter. They have a couple men injured from the jump so one has to go hunting in the freezing cold. with terrible rations and clothes. the second example is when they need to get rechargeable batteries due to the British giving them faulty, big print made in England batteries. They had friends still in Norway so they got the batteries and some new clothes. without that, they would have died. The third reason is that without their teamwork storming the plant they would have shot each other and probably gotten shot by the enemy.
My opinion of this book is very good. I really like books that are real. It has real quotes real diary entries from the people. It even tells you when they died what happened after they died and if they got celebrated or not.
The theme of the book sabotage is, keeping friends is important. The first reason is in the book they have to survive the Norwegian winter. They have a couple men injured from the jump so one has to go hunting in the freezing cold. with terrible rations and clothes. the second example is when they need to get rechargeable batteries due to the British giving them faulty, big print made in England batteries. They had friends still in Norway so they got the batteries and some new clothes. without that, they would have died. The third reason is that without their teamwork storming the plant they would have shot each other and probably gotten shot by the enemy.
My opinion of this book is very good. I really like books that are real. It has real quotes real diary entries from the people. It even tells you when they died what happened after they died and if they got celebrated or not.
September 29, 2017
Set in Norway during WWII. Hitler's soldiers have taken over Norway where there is a plant that manufactures heavy water. Hitler demands that the plant produce as much heavy water as possible so that his scientists can develop an atomic bomb. The people of Norway do not want Hitler to have such a horrific weapon and a group of people are determined to come up with a way to stop him - but hopefully without loss of life or destruction of the plant which they will need after the war.
Riveting narrative non-fiction despite knowing that Hitler did not ever get an atomic bomb. Most of this information was unknown to me and I found it to be utterly fascinating. There is quite a bit of science but it is explained so that most readers can either understand it or skim over that part if necessary. Black and white primary source photographs and maps throughout the book. There is an extensive bibliography and notes section at the end of the book.
Great addition to middle and high school non-fiction collections.
Riveting narrative non-fiction despite knowing that Hitler did not ever get an atomic bomb. Most of this information was unknown to me and I found it to be utterly fascinating. There is quite a bit of science but it is explained so that most readers can either understand it or skim over that part if necessary. Black and white primary source photographs and maps throughout the book. There is an extensive bibliography and notes section at the end of the book.
Great addition to middle and high school non-fiction collections.
February 22, 2019
With Sabotage: The Mission to Destroy Hitler's Atomic Bomb, Neal Bascomb magically transforms the story of a plan to ambush a heavy-water facility into an addicting and action-packed thriller. After the Nazis invaded Norway during World War Two, a group of loyal Norwegians that wanted to see their country free again went to Britain to train and tried to get involved in the war. They would later be called onto two missions to ambush the supply chains for Hitler's atomic bomb. Although the story's climax is unnecessarily intense, it reveals the theme that sacrifices must be made to accomplish something greater.
March 6, 2016
This was one of those books that I had trouble really getting into but by then end I couldn't stop. I started this book, not really knowing what was going to happen since before this I hadn't been exposed to this story. The beginning seemed to drag on a bit, but once the book got to talking about the mission it sped up. It was pretty amazing to know that there was a team of men who were sent out to 'sabotage' their facilities. I would recommend this book to any WW2 history fan or someone who has an interested in chemistry/atomic weapons.
January 29, 2017
Bascomb did an excellent job keeping me hooked in the story line while also teaching me so much about this part of the WWII effort that I had no idea about previously. This was an especially interesting book to read while working at ORNL, where work for USA's nuclear bombs was occuring simultaneously. SO excited to read the adult version of the story!
May 24, 2017
I love reading books based on events that happened. I love watching military and war movies with my brother, so I thought that this book was intersting and it was. It is about stopping Hitler's atomic bomb (like the title says) and you get to read about what it was like back in those days. I really liked this book
November 11, 2016
The book started off repeating the same information as Bomb. In fact it had some of the same story lines within it that Bomb had. It threw in a more of sabotage background though. In my eyes it was a mix of Bomb and Courage And Defiance. That is why it wasn't as good as Bomb.
January 1, 2017
Fascinating book about Norwegians who worked with the British to destroy a Norwegian hydroelectric plant where heavy water was made which supplied the Germans during their attempt to build an atomic bomb.
July 13, 2020
I’m very sorry if this offends anyone, but this book was extremely boring. It was way to many unnecessary words, which definetly threw me off. I would have also liked it more if the chapters were shorter, but I still probobly wouldn’t reread this or recommend it.
May 13, 2019
this book is historical fiction and the theme of this book is never give up. because they try and fail and then do it again. This is why the theme is never give up.
October 29, 2024
Neal Bascomb’s Sabotage is a gripping historical narrative that delves into the daring acts of resistance during World War II. The book focuses on a group of Norwegian saboteurs tasked with undermining Nazi operations in their homeland, particularly targeting the heavy water production facility in Vemork, which was critical for the German nuclear program.
Bascomb’s storytelling shines through his meticulous research and vivid character portrayals. The narrative is fast-paced, capturing the tension and stakes involved in the saboteurs’ missions. He skillfully interweaves personal stories with broader historical contexts, bringing to life the bravery and sacrifices of those involved in the resistance.
One of the standout features of Sabotage is Bascomb’s ability to convey the moral complexities faced by the characters. The ethical dilemmas of sabotage versus collateral damage are explored in a way that invites readers to reflect on the nature of war and resistance. This depth adds a layer of emotional resonance, making the book not just a tale of adventure, but also a profound commentary on courage and sacrifice.
The prose is accessible yet engaging, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and general readers. Bascomb’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the snow-covered landscapes of Norway and the high-stakes environments of espionage and sabotage.
Overall, Sabotage is a compelling read that combines thrilling action with thoughtful reflections on resistance and morality. It’s a must-read for those interested in World War II history and the human stories behind the conflicts. Bascomb has crafted a powerful narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.
Bascomb’s storytelling shines through his meticulous research and vivid character portrayals. The narrative is fast-paced, capturing the tension and stakes involved in the saboteurs’ missions. He skillfully interweaves personal stories with broader historical contexts, bringing to life the bravery and sacrifices of those involved in the resistance.
One of the standout features of Sabotage is Bascomb’s ability to convey the moral complexities faced by the characters. The ethical dilemmas of sabotage versus collateral damage are explored in a way that invites readers to reflect on the nature of war and resistance. This depth adds a layer of emotional resonance, making the book not just a tale of adventure, but also a profound commentary on courage and sacrifice.
The prose is accessible yet engaging, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and general readers. Bascomb’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the snow-covered landscapes of Norway and the high-stakes environments of espionage and sabotage.
Overall, Sabotage is a compelling read that combines thrilling action with thoughtful reflections on resistance and morality. It’s a must-read for those interested in World War II history and the human stories behind the conflicts. Bascomb has crafted a powerful narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.
July 2, 2023
I came to read Bascomb's Sabotage: Mission to Destroy Hitler's Atomic Bomb as a gift from my five-year-old daughter. She and my wife were at the local library book sale, and she picked it up "for daddy." How, then, was I not to read it?
I was intrigued after reading the jacket cover, and I'll admit to being very surprised by the text itself. I rolled through this book in less than a week (which was a busy work week at that, with a lot of travel). Bascomb's prose was engaging, and it kept the pace of the book intact, even when the Operation Grouse members were simply waiting through the Vidda winters.
For context, I knew nothing of this operation, nor more than a passing notion that if the U.S. and its allies were pursuing atomic weaponry, so too must have been their enemies. The book balances enough detail in the process of producing heavy water and how that related to the Nazi's efforts to build a uranium reactor and, consequently, an atomic bomb to aid in my understanding of why the Vemork plant was so important with the need to tell a story. Sabotage is, after all, a human story.
I enjoyed the maps (to visualize the setting) as well as the photographs (to connect me to the central characters). I also appreciated the brief introduction to Norwegian pronunciations at the start of the text. As such, I found myself trying to pronounce the terms correctly, and that helped me to remember person and place names, which enabled a recall of those people and places while reading along. Otherwise, I would have glossed over those names and been somewhat lost as to how they all connected as the story developed.
Though I enjoy history, I find that I engage with it better via television than through the written word. Sabotage is a notable exception to my rule and well worth the read.
I was intrigued after reading the jacket cover, and I'll admit to being very surprised by the text itself. I rolled through this book in less than a week (which was a busy work week at that, with a lot of travel). Bascomb's prose was engaging, and it kept the pace of the book intact, even when the Operation Grouse members were simply waiting through the Vidda winters.
For context, I knew nothing of this operation, nor more than a passing notion that if the U.S. and its allies were pursuing atomic weaponry, so too must have been their enemies. The book balances enough detail in the process of producing heavy water and how that related to the Nazi's efforts to build a uranium reactor and, consequently, an atomic bomb to aid in my understanding of why the Vemork plant was so important with the need to tell a story. Sabotage is, after all, a human story.
I enjoyed the maps (to visualize the setting) as well as the photographs (to connect me to the central characters). I also appreciated the brief introduction to Norwegian pronunciations at the start of the text. As such, I found myself trying to pronounce the terms correctly, and that helped me to remember person and place names, which enabled a recall of those people and places while reading along. Otherwise, I would have glossed over those names and been somewhat lost as to how they all connected as the story developed.
Though I enjoy history, I find that I engage with it better via television than through the written word. Sabotage is a notable exception to my rule and well worth the read.
September 10, 2024
Sabotage, The mission to destroy hitlers atomic bomb is a non fictional book published on may 31 2016. This book is set in the deep siberian winter. This was a book about a six man operation called operation gunnerside. The leader of this operation was Joachim Rønneberg Their plan was to stop the movement of heavy water which is the main ingredient to create the atomic bomb. This book gave a lot of detail of what the ships of this operation were and what they had to detail with to overcome to stop what disaster they may unfold if they did not stop the shipment and the plant.
I think this book is a really good read because i am not the type of person to read or even like the book. But the reason why i would recommend this book is because on how well he captures there emotions and also helps put you in there shoes and helps with making sure you can visualize what it was like and how they felt. For example when they first talk about them breaking into the water plant they give you the detail on what it was like how many people and what the atmosphere felt like. This book is good for people who like conflict and true storys about history.
I think this book is a really good read because i am not the type of person to read or even like the book. But the reason why i would recommend this book is because on how well he captures there emotions and also helps put you in there shoes and helps with making sure you can visualize what it was like and how they felt. For example when they first talk about them breaking into the water plant they give you the detail on what it was like how many people and what the atmosphere felt like. This book is good for people who like conflict and true storys about history.
October 26, 2023
This book was a spectacular read filled with an abundance of both successes and setbacks full of emotions. It is based on a true story with real accounts on the goal to destroy Vemork; a hydroelectric power plant located near Rujukan, Norway. This plant produced heavy water under German control during WWII. Resistance members worked with Britain and the alias in Norway by hiding out in cabins through the appalling and treacherous wintery mountain terrain(The Vida) surrounding vermork for months with little food. They had to be skilled in skiing as this was how they moved around and they had to hunt reindeer often with little success. Heavy water was extremely vital because it was an important part in making atomic bombs that could obliterate entire cities. Now it’s your turn to and find out if the missions were successful. This book was full of surprises, and always kept me wondering what was going to happen next. This book was about 4.5 out of 5.
July 24, 2023
One of the most inspiring books I have read recently!
The never give up attitude of Norwegians, which is not sung loudly enough, contributed to the defeat of Nazis (and stopping them of the A-Bomb). It really touches on reading how much the British apparently cared about the locals and went in British uniform to destroy the Heavy Water Plant so that the locals would not be implicated (if) the British died in action! And how much importance given to the forty people who died when the Ferry was bombed and how they were remembered.
Where did this humanity of the British disappear when millions of Indians were killed purposely by the tyrant Churchill due to the artificially created famine?
The never give up attitude of Norwegians, which is not sung loudly enough, contributed to the defeat of Nazis (and stopping them of the A-Bomb). It really touches on reading how much the British apparently cared about the locals and went in British uniform to destroy the Heavy Water Plant so that the locals would not be implicated (if) the British died in action! And how much importance given to the forty people who died when the Ferry was bombed and how they were remembered.
Where did this humanity of the British disappear when millions of Indians were killed purposely by the tyrant Churchill due to the artificially created famine?
October 16, 2023
I have to say that I bought this book a long time ago at the school book fair, of which I finally took the time to actually read it. I have to say this book is a really interesting account from the Historical perspective of Norwegian Resistance Fighters. The secondary account of these heroes were crucial for curbing the development of Hitler's Atomic weapon. I really appreciate the author's ability to able to display these first hand accounts of these soldiers, many of whom were just ordinary men who wish to protect their country that was under Nazi rule. I wish that I read this book sooner, but it was a great read since a new expansion of my video game came out and added more flavor for when I played video games.
May 22, 2024
It is based on the true story of Norwegian commandos. There is a group of camandos who survive threw the winter and finished two missions. And they want to sabotage the Nazis mission to build a nuclear bomb.
I really like how the authors used the words he used. I really liked the detail and the stages of how the plot and summary and rising action etc was told. I liked how the story was drug threw instead of saying it straight up. I like the cliffhangers that I was left on when I read the book. I like the detail on the setting, events, characters, etc there was a lot of good detail.
I would have liked if there was more events yes there where a lot of events but a few more would be nice. I think the author could have used more lititure like imagery, symbolizim etc. I would like to see more events that happened before everything happens like a flash back that would be nicer to see. The author could have used more meaningful words and more detailed words to make it mean stronger.
I really like how the authors used the words he used. I really liked the detail and the stages of how the plot and summary and rising action etc was told. I liked how the story was drug threw instead of saying it straight up. I like the cliffhangers that I was left on when I read the book. I like the detail on the setting, events, characters, etc there was a lot of good detail.
I would have liked if there was more events yes there where a lot of events but a few more would be nice. I think the author could have used more lititure like imagery, symbolizim etc. I would like to see more events that happened before everything happens like a flash back that would be nicer to see. The author could have used more meaningful words and more detailed words to make it mean stronger.
December 15, 2023
SPOILER ALERT
Maxwell Yingling
I honestly think that this book was amazing. The plot was masterfully writen, and the writer knew what he was doing when he wrote this.
The story begins telling us about the invention of "Heavy water". A component used to split atoms and create an atomic bomb. It then goes on to tell of the harrowing events team "Grouse" goes on to destroy a certian factory generating this Heavy water for the Nazis.
I would honestly rate this book a 5/5. The author did a great job writing this. They made it fun and exiting, whilst still quite informative. I quite honestly learnt alot reading this book that I never would have known without it.
Maxwell Yingling
I honestly think that this book was amazing. The plot was masterfully writen, and the writer knew what he was doing when he wrote this.
The story begins telling us about the invention of "Heavy water". A component used to split atoms and create an atomic bomb. It then goes on to tell of the harrowing events team "Grouse" goes on to destroy a certian factory generating this Heavy water for the Nazis.
I would honestly rate this book a 5/5. The author did a great job writing this. They made it fun and exiting, whilst still quite informative. I quite honestly learnt alot reading this book that I never would have known without it.
February 26, 2025
I really liked this book. All of the information that Neal put into this book is phenomenal. In the back of the book it said that it took him almost three years to research and find information, and in my opinion, that was a time well spent. I would definitely recommend this book to kids from 5th grade to 12th grade. Me myself being a 6th grader, I loved this book. All of the suspension at some points made me want to read more. The end of the book is really nerve racking because it was so suspenseful and interesting. I would definitely read this book again.
December 28, 2023
The story is great and it is very important to learn about things like this. It just…reads like a high school essay. There were numerous paragraphs where every sentence started with “the, their, or there”.
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