In Harm's Way

The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors

By: Doug Stanton

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

Winner, 2017 APA Audie Awards - History/Biography

A harrowing, adrenaline-charged account of America's worst naval disaster - and of the heroism of the men who, against all odds, survived.

On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in the South Pacific by a Japanese submarine. An estimated 300 men were killed upon impact; close to 900 sailors were cast into the Pacific Ocean, where they remained undetected by the navy for nearly four days and nights. Battered by a savage sea, they struggled to stay alive, fighting off sharks, hypothermia, and dementia. By the time rescue arrived, all but 317 men had died.

The captain's subsequent court-martial left many questions unanswered: How did the navy fail to realize the Indianapolis was missing? Why was the cruiser traveling unescorted in enemy waters? And, perhaps most amazing of all, how did these 317 men manage to survive?

Interweaving the stories of three survivors - the captain, the ship's doctor, and a young marine - journalist Doug Stanton has brought this astonishing human drama to life in a narrative that is at once immediate and timeless. The definitive account of a little-known chapter in World War II history, In Harm's Way is destined to become a classic tale of war, survival, and extraordinary courage.

©2001 Reed City Productions, LLC.; "Afterword: 2001" copyright 2002 by Reed City Productions, LLC. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With a delivery like a seasoned storyteller, Mark Boyett makes this riveting story of the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis even more compelling. The combination of Boyett's reading and the author's straightforward style and heavy use of declarative sentences creates a presentation that will fully engage listeners." ( AudioFile)

Amazing and true naval tale!!!

This nonfiction book is about the sinking of a large navy ship in the Pacific just before the end of World War II. It is an amazing story - riveting, gut-wrenching, and inspiring. It is so well told. It is one of the best tales of survival. It covers ship life so well before the attack, and does a great job telling the tale of the survivors. Even the aftermath is engaging. I was actually in tears at times. The people and incidents come alive in his great and important book. I'll be thinking about this for a long time.

Should Be Required Reading

Horrible consequences from a torpedo attack on the USS Indianapolis, many young men died, and those that survived relived that nightmare. Unfortunately those who were partly responsible never acknowledged it, or were never held accountable.
This story was new to me, and while it was most difficult to listen to what the men endured, I'm glad I now know their story. Well written and well narrated.

Very Engaging History

I enjoyed the narrative style of the author. The story is mostly told through the eyes of the participants from their perspective at the time. Brings the story to life. Not a lot of suspense as the events are foreshadowed throughout.

EXCELLENT HISTORICAL NAVAL TRAGEDY

Stanton's prose is sheer poetry. The story grabs you from the get go, and holds you captive to the compelling fulfilling end.

Mark Boyett's narration is masterful. Put on the headphones and hold on for "Full Steam Ahead!"

I had no idea!

If you could sum up In Harm's Way in three words, what would they be?

I had no idea about the sinking of the Indianapolis. What an interesting story. So much information the author was able to find either by reading accounts or talking to those who survived. Just incredible.

What did you like best about this story?

Once the survivors were in the ocean the accounts of their survival is riveting. The story is impossible to walk away from.

Have you listened to any of Mark Boyett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first book with Mark Boyett's performance. He is so clear with his spoken word. I will listen to him in the future.

Took me several tries . . .

but I told myself if these men had to live it, the least I could do was read about it. Still, it took me about 4 or 5 starts to get past the torpedoes. It broke my heart that they were so close to the end of the war and going home to their loved ones, only to be maimed, killed or emotionally scarred for life. I know enough about the military to know that there's generally a scapegoat in this sort of situation, but I think they were unduly harsh with the captain, given all the others who didn't do their jobs or did them ineptly. I try not to judge too much as I wasn't there and can't know all the reasoning behind some regulations.

I can't judge the accuracy of the account as my normal historical reading is the Civil War, but the author did seem to be thorough in his research and genuinely cared about the men.

Mark Boyett did a good job narrating.

A captivating story

A very interesting account of an event full of drama and intrigue, as well as the survival of so many men. I highly recommend this book

Amazing Book

Well researched and with all the first hand accounts, this is a classic of the sea.

Gut wrenching

Absolutely an amazing account of a paramount time in the history of this nation. A true representation of the brave people who served our country during WWII

Very Worth While-

I love stories about our military- the lives- the struggles - and mostly the lessons and gratefulness that one learns after these struggles.
But this story touched me in so many ways. It stimulated thought, reinforced an appreciation for those patients I care for at the VA, and stimulated new empathy for those tattered individuals wearing camouflage jackets, standing on our street corners.
What have they been through?
This story strengthened me to refocus and take on my struggles, endure the trials and not complain or be defeated by the injustices present in every society.
It reminded me that healing and forgiveness are real, and are ESSENTIAL.
It reinforced again the terrible effect hate, hurt and bitterness can have, and the damage they are to every soul that harbors them.
It reminded me to be a part of the better work, the healing of hurt, the repair, and the joy that we ALL have the potential to be a part of.
This story made me a better person. It increased my hope and faith in my fellow man.