{"product_id":"cruel-crossing-escaping-hitler-across-the-pyrenees-paperback","title":"Cruel Crossing: Escaping Hitler Across the Pyrenees - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eEdward Stourton\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA chronicle of the perilous European mountain escape route used during World War II, with epic stories from survivors and their families.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e After the Nazi invasion of Belgium in 1940, an underground network was established to help British servicemen escape German-occupied Europe. As the war progressed, others began using the secret route as well, traveling to the south of France, over the Pyrenees mountains, and into neutral Spain. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e The Chemin de la Liberté runs forty miles across the central Pyrenees. Since 1994, it has been hiked each July to commemorate those who made the courageous journey during the Nazi occupation of France. BBC Radio presenter Edward Stourton made the trek in 2011, and from his fellow hikers, he uncovered amazing stories of wartime bravery and perseverance. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In \u003ci\u003eCruel Crossing\u003c\/i\u003e, Stourton draws on interviews with survivors, as well as family members of those who were there, to paint a history of this little-known aspect of World War II. It is colored by tales of hardship from soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, persecuted Jews fleeing Hitler and Vichy France, and bold resistance fighters aiding their escape. There are scrambles across rooftops in the dead of night, drops from speeding trains, treachery, murder, romance, and of course, heroism. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e These personal stories offer a dramatic and moving trip through the past, preserving the memories of those who endured so much to gain back their freedom. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eCruel Crossing\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \"Stourton writes evocatively and with sensitivity of the people who made the arduous trek. . . . An engaging collection of tales.\" --\u003ci\u003eDaily Express\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \"In Mr. Stourton's hands, the Pyrenees become a grim amphitheatre for heroism and betrayal, collusion and rebellion. . . . \u003ci\u003eCruel Crossing \u003c\/i\u003erecaptures much of the adventure and the fun, as well as the horror and the bitterness, as it brilliantly conjures up the voices of the past.\" --\u003ci\u003eCountry Life\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \"Heart-breaking and breath-taking . . . thoroughly moving and very readable.\" --Simon Mawer, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Glass Room\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \"An important book packed with poignant stories, remarkable characters and uncomfortable truths.\" --Clare Mulley, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Spy Who Loved\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEdward Stourton has worked in broadcasting for four decades. His work includes BBC Radio 4 programs such as \u003ci\u003eThe World at One\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe World This Weekend\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSunday\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eAnalysis\u003c\/i\u003e, and he has been a foreign correspondent for Channel 4, ITN, and the BBC. Stourton was one of the main broadcasters of the \u003ci\u003eToday\u003c\/i\u003e program for ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 368\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.82 x 8 x 5.25 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e November 07, 2023\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51778610856224,"sku":"9781504087049","price":32.24,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/b40f081fff751c3b0f9164a8f6fb6185.webp?v=1780507388","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/cruel-crossing-escaping-hitler-across-the-pyrenees-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}