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Preview
  • Colditz

  • Prisoners of the Castle
  • By: Ben Macintyre
  • Narrated by: Ben Macintyre
  • Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (969 ratings)

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Colditz

By: Ben Macintyre
Narrated by: Ben Macintyre
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

In a forbidding Gothic castle on a hilltop in the heart of Nazi Germany, an unlikely band of British officers spent the Second World War plotting daring escapes from their German captors. Or so the story of Colditz has gone, unchallenged for 70 years. But that tale contains only part of the truth.

The astonishing inside story, revealed for the first time by bestselling historian Ben Macintyre, is a tale of the indomitable human spirit, but also one of class conflict, homosexuality, espionage, insanity and farce. Through an astonishing range of material, Macintyre reveals a remarkable cast of characters, wider than previously seen and hitherto hidden from history, taking in prisoners and captors who were living cheek-by-jowl in a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

From the elitist members of the Colditz Bullingdon Club to America's oldest paratrooper and least successful secret agent, the soldier-prisoners of Colditz were courageous and resilient as well as vulnerable and fearful—and astonishingly imaginative in their desperate escape attempts. Deeply researched and full of incredible human stories, this is the definitive book on Colditz.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Ben Macintyre (P)2022 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about Colditz

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Brilliant

This was SUCH an entertaining and informative book. I loved it. It’s not usually my period - I prefer medieval/early modern, but I heard the author on The Rest is History (excellent podcast with Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland - also highly recommended) and he was so interesting I thought I’d give it a go. So glad I did. I didn’t want it to end!

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We'll recounted with sensitive understanding .

Sometimes a little shaky on the continuity technical not Ben.
A magnificent account my father was a POW in Stalag V111B this all resonates including the class differences.

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Excellent

I’m just sad I’ve finished this wonderful book. A fascinating account of life in Colditz during WW2. Unexpectedly hilarious and often very moving. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone I know. Read excellently by the author.

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Amazing

Superb audio book - such information and brilliant commentary - the brave Indian doctor loyalty to his uniform he wore

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Brilliant

An informative, well written and eye opening book. Good narration. A highly recommended read for all tastes

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Well researched

A slightly different take on the Colditz story than the usual, that is hopefully more balanced (warning: some hero bashing is involved). In particular, the extraordinary exploits of the French POWs have been given their rightful exposure. The reading includes all the end notes giving the life stories of the featured inmates. Will definitely listen again.

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Great listen

Really enjoyed the book, offering new insights into the life the prisoners had to live.

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Colditz

Another Ben Macintyre classic. Love his writing, reading and always his subject matter. Brilliant as always!

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Pony o

A brilliant listen well read and very difficult to put down well researched and and interesting.

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Another great read/listen!

Ben Macintyre has proved again to be a master storyteller, an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable read!

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