81 Days Below Zero

The Incredible Survival Story of a World War II Pilot in Alaska's Frozen Wilderness

By: Brian Murphy, Toula Vlahou

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

The untold story of Leon Crane, the only surviving crew member of a World War II B-24 crash on a remote mountain near the Arctic Circle, who managed to stay alive 81 days in sub-zero temperature by making peace with nature, and end his ordeal by walking along a river to safety. Part World War II story, part Alaskan adventure story, part survival story, and even part inspirational story, this is what we call "a good listen".

This is the first full-length retelling of Crane's incredible survivalist story. It has been noted in magazines and in story collections over the years. Most notably, just after the war ended, Crane's story was included in the aptly titled book, The 100 Best True Stories of World War II. Additionally, in the 1970s the story was a part of John McPhee's hot-selling collection of Alaskan survival tales, Coming into the Country.

©2015 Brian Murphy (P)2015 Recorded Books

great survival story that happened in my state

a great story that happened in my region of Alaska, I was born in fairbanks and grew up around kotzebue alaska 20 miles above the artic circle.

Even better than I expected.

I must admit that I was skeptical about how anyone could survive 81 day in the arctic, much less in the middle of winter. It turned out to be a really good listen, and shows how non-fiction is usually better than fiction.

Much more than man survives wilderness

this book is much more than just a man's survival in the wilderness. book push the Flesh and skin totally around the men the plane the war and Alaskan history. I thoroughly enjoyed and most heartily recommend

A must story to hear.

Amazing story! Added accounts of that era made this story come to life. A big thank you to the authors and narrator for an excellent job to the detail.

Wonderful

A well written and fascinating book. Performance was great as well. Keeps your attention throughout.

Incredible test of the human spirit

This story is an incredible test of perseverance and the human spirit to survive the near impossible. Some of my heart remains in Alaska, having lived there for a time. We very much enjoyed the telling.

Interesting Story

The story itself is definitely interesting and quite remarkable. The book is just 'ok', with lots of meandering tangents and extras. Overall, I finished it because I was interested in hearing about how he was found but the book will not be on my 'highly recommend' list.

Medium

VERY, interesting story. Too much filler material with other seemingly unnecessary stories that make the book drag on at times.

The best military book I’ve ever listened to

This book has a little bit for everyone. Military references, history, era references to the 1940’s, wilderness and of course, survival and life in Alaska. The author did a fantastic job of painting the entire picture of time and place and the events leading up, during and after Leon Crane’s amazing trek. I feel as if I watched a movie after listening to it beginning to end. I typically don’t listen/read books more than once but this one I absolutely will!

Good story, good history

Would you consider the audio edition of 81 Days Below Zero to be better than the print version?

Don't know. Are there plans for a movie, based on the book?

What was one of the most memorable moments of 81 Days Below Zero?

Figuring out just where the plane crashed and where he finally got back to civilization. I consulted maps of AK to try to figure this out.

What about Richard Ferrone’s performance did you like?

Very good rendition. Pleasing voice, good pace.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was quite engaged in the book but knew I wouldn't finish it in one hearing.

Any additional comments?

I lived in Alaska for a while, so it was good to get a historical perspective on Alaska's involvement in WW2, as well as the story of the pilot lost in the wilderness.