My Private War cover art

My Private War

Liberated Body, Captive Mind: A World War II POW’s Journey

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My Private War

By: Norman Bussel
Narrated by: Alpha Trivette
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About this listen

The vivid and emotional story of one soldier's heroic struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder.1944: Norm Bussel, an introspective and happy-go-lucky teen from Memphis, finds himself bailing out of a burning B-17 bomber just months after his 19th birthday.

Touching-down in a field outside Berlin, Norm was immediately seized by local farmhands, who were in the process of lynching him when a passing German soldier put a stop to the execution. For the next year, Norm would struggle to survive at the hands of the Nazis as a prisoner of war.

And that is when the rage began. Rage that he and his fellow captives were cold and starving, their wounds and illnesses left untreated. Rage that men were shot without warning. The rage and emotional turmoil he suffered during that year of hell would follow him home, denying him the peace and stability he and his loved ones longed for.

This is one soldier's searing and honest story of his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. A battle that speaks to the hearts and minds of veterans of all wars who find themselves with liberated bodies but captive minds.

©2008 Norman Bussel (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Mental Health Military Military & War Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Psychology Psychology & Mental Health World War II

Editor reviews

My Private War: Liberative Body, Captive Mind: A World War II POW’s Journey, narrated like a humble war hero by Alpha Trivette, is the harrowing, captivating, at times shocking, and ultimately redemptive story of one soldier’s experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II.

One idyllic moment, 19-year-old Norm Bussel is living a normal life of general good cheer in Memphis. But seemingly before he knows it, Bussel is bailing out of his fiery B-17 bomber and landing right in the heart of Nazi Germany. He is almost murdered immediately, but is instead sent to prison, where the deplorable conditions make a quick death seem the better alternative.

Unforgettable.
All stars
Most relevant  
Great story of how he thought he was an invincible young airman and how it quickly went wrong for him.
Describes his mental struggles and how it affected his family and his life long struggle with survivors guilt.
Well worth a listen.

Good Listen

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was an absolutely amazing listen from start to finish i recommend this book to everyone

absolutely a must

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Don't let the narrator put you off. You will soon warn to his style. One of the best books I have read/listened to on this subject.

Great writing, great story.

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A gripping story, on the trials of human hardship forced on others , to be honest got me in tears in bits especially with the mention of the sally B it hits home the young boys from all over the world battling to survive in the hardest environments

A gripping events of a young man’s journey in to war

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Would recommend 10/10 goes into depth on post war struggles with PTSD not just keeping it all within war time accounts

Wish there was more story’s that go into there post war lives

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I don't normally leave a review, but this book is a major must read. To think of what atrocities these young men went through, for our freedom today. I have been left thinking would the youth of today do what they did?

This book is well written and the narrator just adds to the feelings. Gripping from start to end. Thank you for sharing your life with me Norman

emotional and thought provoking

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An honest and frank disclosure of a young mans bravery camaraderie and life experiences both during and post WW2. We are not very far removed in time from the personal experiences expressed in this book - We need to remember through such frank expression and to never forget.
There but for the Grace of God the youthful suffering that scars the aged soul.

In Honour

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I loved every second an amazing human story of survival during pow times and beyond highly recommended

words don't do justice

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A very interesting book, unfortunately I gave up at chapter 12 due to the dreadfully autonomous narration...
I will finish this book but it'll be in paper format.

Very interesting book...But....

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