The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler's Atomic Bomb

Well researched and written (as expected). The book brings together materials from many current and out-of-print sources. Deals with ALL the unsuccessful and successful Allied and Norwegian efforts against Germany's use of Norwegian heavy water for their atomic weapon production efforts.

Magnificent telling of the story of heroic Norwegian men who fearlessly persevered in deny Germany the hope of getting a nuclear weopan. The author told the story in such detail that I believed I was watching the action as it unfolded. Very well written.

Non stop action and suspense while learning nine history and expanding your mind. What could be better?! It is truly amazing what these brave, patriotic soldiers endured for love of country. This book gave me hope for our future and put me in awe of our past. It was a great read and I highly
Recommend it!

This book was well written and I could hardly put it down. The feats of heroism by the Norwegian resistance stand in stark contrast to those who would prostitute themselves for personal gain or comfort.

This is an excellent contribution to Second World War literature that shows the heroism and sacrifice of the "greatest generation" in all the nations that stood up to Nazi Germany. Very hard to put this book down. I hate to think of what might have happened if Hitler and his henchmen, along with German military, had successfully built atomic weapons.

A great read! Definitely, history of WWII in Europe, that most of us didn't know of. The bravery of the Norwegians that were featured in the book was remarkable. The hardships they experienced, fighting the Nazi occupiers, made for an incredible story. Their heroic actions, may have prevented Hitler from building the first atomic, and unleashing it on London, and the rest of the world.

The Winter Fortress is an outstanding account of a chapter of World War 2 that has since been forgotten. Bascomb’s research is impeccable, and weaves a historical narrative that reads like a novel. Hard to put down!

This is one of those stories that occurred in WW2 that portrays the heroism and determination of countless people in so many places that were never perhaps front page news. It's a good read, well-done. I bought it to see how much the movie paralleled the actual event, which was very little.

It's an incredible tale of brave, relentless men freeing their country of Hitler's army. The Norwegian resistance never gave up throughout the war. I knew several survivors of the resistance who spoke at St. Olaf College of the struggle and constant actions. These were men picked to be part of the Nordic, pure race, but they endlessly resisted.

In the case of the power plant at Vemork, the namesake of this book, it was particularly important as the producer of heavy water, a key ingredient in the Nazis' nuclear program. The history of the reactor and bomb programs in the United States and in the German Reich are interesting sidelights of the book, and ones of which I knew fewer details. But the heros of this history didn't know the reason their mission was so critical, simply that it was of paramount importance, that failure could change the outcome of the war.

So, it is the story of struggle, often against the weather and isolation of Norwegian Winters. Of keeping faith in deep isolation. Of incredible physical stamina, skiing miles without adequate food or rest.

The details of entry to the power plant are harrowing, from climbing sheer rock walls to crawling or walking into chambers where unknown odds awaited them.

These men are authentic heroes, and their efforts may have truly spared Europe – probably London – the effects of nuclear bombing. We owe them a debt of gratitude, and Neal Bascomb's book makes that clear.

I'm not a professional reviewer. The book held my interest. It is a fascinating story and a deep dive into a specific arena of the WWII that deserves study. This book whetted my interest in nuclear physics and our bomb program so immediately read Richard Rhodes focused history of the Manhattan Project. I guess that any book that entices you to read another is deserving of at least 4 stars.

The Winter Fortress: The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler's Atomic Bomb A great story and well-written. Bascomb puts you right there with the characters. I recommend you have a good map of Norway on hand in order to understand the relationships of the various places mentioned in the book.

Gripping true story. The writing was so good I actually felt like I was living thru the fight against the winter elements. How human beings could actually live through the hardships that these brave men overcame defies imagination.

A wonderful book on a specific episode in WWII history I wasn't all that familiar with. I previously read Bascomb's Hunting Eichmann and The Perfect Mile -- two superb books! -- and I am happy to report The Winter Fortress is equally superb. The author is a top-notch storyteller who knows how to craft a real page-turner. I highly recommend.

The book is throughly engaging. The pages fly by with anticipation of the next portion of this thoroughly researched and well written history. As with other histories of WWII, I am awed by the bravery of these normal men in extraordinary circumstances. Bravo! Great read!

This book really makes your realize how difficult it was for all those involved in the mission. Bascomb is excellent in the telling of what really went on. It's a "must read" book if you like history!!!

Having read Knut Haukelid's book Skis Against the Atom many times, I was surprised at how much this book adds to the history of the sabotage of the heavy water plant at Vemork. This book is well researched and very detailed in telling the story of these brave men who changed the course of history. I would recommend reading Hauklid's first hand account, then reading Bascomb's the Winter Fortress.

This was very well written . I really couldn't put it down . To realize that this heart stopping story is true is beyond belief . What these men went through to complete their missions was just incredible . I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Impressive melding of science and, what I suspect is, a little-known story emanating out of WWII. By the end, you find yourself pulling for the protagonists in a way that might surprise a reader of history. I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone who is a history buff and casually enjoys physics.

War is waste because it uses the courage of great men for the folly of hubris and ego. Will we learn? The short answer is no! This not detract from the courage these men showed for their country. This book demonstrates that courageous men will always win out against foolish leaders and bad leadership. Read the book, you will enjoy it.

I was fascinated by the facts and details of these brave young men. My interest in understanding WWII and especially Norwegian history has been soared. Grateful for those who did not relinquish freedom.

An incredible story about the Allies work to prevent the Nazi's from acquiring the A-bomb in a little known power plant in the middle of Norway. I never knew the lengths those brave Norwegians went to in resisting their Nazi occupiers and how critical their operations were to the Allied effort. A must read for any WWII history buff.