Saved: A War Reporter’s Mission to Make It Home is a gripping memoir by Benjamin Hall, published by Harper in 2023. The 288-page book masterfully combines the intensity of “Dispatches from the Edge” with the immediacy of “In an Instant,” offering readers a dramatic account of war, family, resilience, and recovery. The narrative follows the story of Hall, a Fox News journalist who suffered severe injuries in a Russian drone attack during the early days of the Ukraine invasion. This captivating and inspiring tale showcases Hall’s determination to overcome adversity and find his way back home.
Saved book summary
On the morning of March 14, 2022, seasoned war correspondent Benjamin Hall awoke in Kyiv, oblivious to the imminent Russian bombing that would threaten his life. Despite his experiences in perilous war zones like Syria and Afghanistan, Hall’s life on the edge was meant to be behind him, especially with three young daughters awaiting his return. However, as Russia assaulted Ukraine in February 2022, Hall swiftly volunteered for the assignment. Tragically, just weeks later, Hall and his team were caught in a devastating Russian airstrike. With severe injuries and stranded in Kyiv, Hall’s survival was uncertain.
Hall’s gripping story of survival continues to unfold. For the first time, he recounts his ordeal in detail—from his front-row perspective on the war to his dramatic rescue and his ongoing, challenging recovery. Delving into the events that have forever changed him, Hall reflects on his struggle to leave war reporting behind and how it led him back for one last perilous mission. His narrative showcases the incredible efforts of countless individuals across various nations who united to bring him to safety, highlighting the remarkable teamwork and unwavering determination that transformed his life into a mission.
Throughout the ordeal, Hall’s resolve has remained unshaken, supported by an extraordinary group of people worldwide whose collective resolve ensured his survival. Saved is an evocative, heartbreaking, and deeply moving memoir of family, friends, life, healing, and facing unimaginable tests of resilience. The memoir also includes a 16-page color photo insert, giving readers a more in-depth look at Benjamin Hall’s extraordinary journey.
Saved: A War Reporter’s Mission to Make It Home book review
Renowned war journalist John Hershey recounts harrowing near-death experiences on the battlefield. Throughout his career, Hall has ventured into the heart of conflict zones where societies crumbled under the pressure of opposing factions and beliefs, from Syria’s Aleppo to Iraq’s Mosul, Afghanistan’s Kabul, and Somalia’s Mogadishu. He consistently braved the harsh realities of war, always striving to be as close to the action as possible. While reporting in Ukraine, Hall sustained severe injuries from a Russian bomb that claimed the lives of two fellow journalists.
Despite the personal toll, Hall’s reflections on his experiences center on the well-being of others and the ethical questions surrounding his work. He grapples with whether to capture a fighter’s final moments or to take a stance on a conflict. In the case of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it’s evident that his sympathies lie with the victims, though he maintains professional neutrality. Hall explains, “I had no obligation to express my emotions to others.” It was my duty to offer viewers with the necessary facts while also articulating how Ukrainians felt about the situation.
Hall’s account primarily focuses on his arduous journey to recovery after suffering polytrauma and extensive burns. Transported to US military hospitals and rehab centers, he encountered unexpected acts of compassion from strangers. These included a Special Forces soldier who offered him gummy bears during an aerial evacuation and the medical professionals who tirelessly worked to save his life and preserve as much of his body as possible. This poignant, unique narrative is a testament to his resilience.
This gripping account is not for the faint of heart but serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the human capacity for courage and compassion.
Detail Book
Author: Benjamin Hall
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Language: English
Total Page: 288 pages
ISBN : 9780063309661
Target Audience
The target audience for Saved Book includes:
Readers interested in current events, geopolitics, and war journalism: The book provides the firsthand experiences of a war reporter during the early days of the Ukraine invasion, making it an engaging read for those who want to learn more about the realities of war reporting.
Fans of memoirs and biographies: Those who enjoy reading personal stories of triumph over adversity will find Hall’s journey of resilience and recovery compelling.
Individuals interested in stories of survival and human perseverance: The narrative showcases the incredible efforts of people from various nations who united to bring Hall to safety, highlighting remarkable teamwork and unwavering determination.
Aspiring journalists and media professionals: The book offers insights into the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by war correspondents, making it an informative read for those considering a career in journalism.
General non-fiction readers: Hall’s captivating writing style and the book’s blend of personal experiences, current events, and emotional storytelling will appeal to a broad range of non-fiction readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of the book?
The main theme is resilience and recovery, as it chronicles the experiences of Benjamin Hall, a war reporter who was gravely injured during a Russian drone attack in Ukraine. It delves into his struggle to survive and his determination to make it back home to his family.
Who is the author of the book?
The author of “Saved: A War Reporter’s Mission to Make It Home” is Benjamin Hall, a seasoned war correspondent and journalist for Fox News.
What makes this memoir unique?
The memoir combines the intensity of war reporting with the emotional journey of personal resilience and recovery. It offers a rare, firsthand account of the early days of the Ukraine invasion and provides insights into the challenges faced by war correspondents. Moreover, the book showcases the remarkable efforts of people from various nations who united to bring Hall to safety.
Is the book suitable for all audiences?
While the book may be too intense for some readers due to its depiction of war and the challenges faced by the author, it is generally suitable for a wide range of audiences, including those interested in current events, memoirs, stories of survival, and journalism.
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