Bob Mrazek graduated from Cornell University, served in the U.S. Navy, and served five terms in the U.S. Congress. Mrazek authored the Amerasian Homecoming Act, which brought nineteen thousand children of Americans who served in Vietnam to the USA. He also authored the National Film Preservation Act, which established the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress to protect films of cultural importance. Since leaving Congress, Mrazek has authored ten books, earning the American Library Association's top honor for military fiction, the Michael Shaara award for Civil War fiction, and Best Book (American History) from the Washington Post. He also wrote and co-directed the 2016 feature film The Congressman. He lives in upstate NY and Maine.
"'Indomitable' is an understatement. Florence's breathtaking story
causes us to remember that one person, can indeed, change the lives
of many."--Judith L. Pearson, award-winning author of Belly of the
Beast and Wolves at the Door
"[A] MUST READ for all!... incredibly hard to put down."
--The Reading Frenzy
"A crisp chronicle....WWII buffs will relish this inside look at
life under Japanese occupation."--Publishers Weekly
"A monumental biography....Details of Finch's life are blended
deftly with the chronology of the Philippines and the world at
large....What is special about this biography is the fashion in
which certain interesting and controversial topics come into
view... historians have long debated whether or not America was
really prepared for World War II....Robert Mrazek is to be praised
for his serious research and superior writing style, both of which
make this chronicle of Florence's real-life adventures an absorbing
saga. Her receipt of the Medal of Freedom spotlighted her brave,
fearless war effort, just as The Indomitable Florence Finch brings
her life and service to our attention."--Washington Independent
Review of Books
"A riveting story of courage and sacrifice....Mrazek's book is a
treasure, an eminently readable tribute to the wartime heroism of
one brave woman."--The New York Times Book Review
"A wonderfully graphic and moving account of the selfless and
courageous role played during the Japanese occupation of the
Philippines by Florence Finch, one of the great unrecognized
heroines of World War Two."--Saul David, author of Crucible of
Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945 and The Force: The
Legendary Special Ops Unit and WWII's Mission Impossible
"Acclaimed novelist and historian Mrazek has crafted a compelling
narrative which also provides rich coverage of the overall war in
the Philippines. A perfect match of author and
subject."--Booklist
"An incredibly moving and powerful story. In these absorbing pages,
the Filipino experience in World War II comes to life.... Mrazek
shows us the triumph of the human spirit over the worst of
adversity. Florence Finch is a hero for the ages."--John C.
McManus, PhD, Curators' Distinguished Professor, Missouri S&T,
author of Fire and Fortitude: The U.S. Army in the Pacific War
"An American hero-long forgotten-finally gets her due in this
riveting narrative. You will absolutely love Florence Finch: her
grit, her compassion, her fight. This isn't just history; she is a
woman for our times."
--Keith O'Brien, the New York Times bestselling author of Fly
Girls
"Intriguing."--Newsday
"Mrazek expertly...showcases a wealth of primary-source material,
and skillfully invites readers into Florence's remarkable life. An
engaging read for all interested in women's or 20th-century
history."
--Library Journal (starred review)
"Mrazek's book provides readers with a firsthand account of the
importance of alliances....Readers also get a strong sense of the
courage and fortitude demonstrated by both U.S. soldiers and
Filipino civilians....Mrazek documents the selfless courage of a
civilian woman (and eventual Coast Guard female reservist) who
served so others might live."--Commander Brooke Millard, U.S. Coast
Guard, Proceedings magazine
"Mrazek's writing is intelligent...a beautiful story...a book
written from the heart."--LitHub
"Robert Mrazek...tells inspiring stories of extraordinary heroism
with verve and heart. The story of the amazing war widow, Florence
Finch, who risked her life to save American POWs in the Pacific, is
by far his finest yet. A beautiful hymn to a forgotten
heroine."--Alex Kershaw, bestselling author of The First Wave and
Avenue of Spies
"Thanks to Robert Mrazek's rich and fast-paced narrative, we can
add Florence Finch's name to the honor roll of World War II heroes
such as Raoul Wallenberg and Oskar Schindler who risked their lives
to save others from certain death. Her thrilling story, expertly
told by Mrazek, proves that there are still stories of Second World
War heroism that remain untold."--Thurston Clarke, author of Pearl
Harbor Ghosts and the New York Times bestselling The Last
Campaign
"The richly detailed account of a courageous woman's life."--Kirkus
Reviews
"The searing tragedy and epic heroism of Florence Finch... is an
enthralling and inspiring narrative.... A stellar hero of the
Philippine resistance who risked all to save the lives of many
others."--Richard B. Frank, author of MacArthur and winner of the
Truman Book Award
"The story of Florence Finch may not be well-known among WWII
history buffs, but it should be, especially after reading Mrazek's
meticulous retelling of her life's story...Mrazek... does not leave
any important detail out of the book. This biography is thorough,
engaging and at times heart-breaking. The narrative seems like it's
pulled from a war movie or a spy thriller....The Indomitable
Florence Finch restores this powerful woman's story into the public
consciousness and gives her life its proper due."--John Soltes,
Hollywood Soapbox
"This soul-stirring story of a true heroine of World War II brought
tears to my eyes."--James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning
author of Battle Cry of Freedom
"Riveting...Florence's astonishing journey is expertly told....This
aptly titled book is an un-put-downable story of bravery in a world
turned upside down by war....Mrazek, an engaging writer whose work
is based on a foundation of extensive research, is at his best in
describing Florence's transformation from being nearly overwhelmed
by her circumstances to becoming a savior for so many POWs."--The
Portland Press-Herald
"Mrazek's narrative vignettes [are] interesting and
informative....If one looks at the whole of [Florence's] life of
early suffering and stigma, quiet service and loyalty and a
stunning leap in adverse circumstances to dangerous and
life-threatening action for others, it stands to reason that she
was what she was for the life she had lived."--The Manila Times
One of BookBub's 12 Best New Nonfiction Books This Summer!One of
Amazon's Best Books of July 2020!
"Robert J. Mrazek unfolds [Florence's] audacious plan to help
prisoners and underground freedom fighters....The writing is brisk
and energetic; the saga unfolds with enormous suspense."--The Wall
Street Journal
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