Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story

Name: Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story
SKU: 40513
Availability: InStock

4.3 | 7,744 ratings

Price: 19.1

Last update: 01-04-2025

About this item

Only four men survived the plane crash. The pilot. A politician. A cop... and the criminal he was shackled to.

On an icy night in October 1984, a commuter plane carrying nine passengers crashed in the remote wilderness of northern Alberta, killing six people. Four survived: the rookie pilot, a prominent politician, a cop, and the criminal he was escorting to face charges. Despite the poor weather, Erik Vogel, the 24-year-old pilot, was under intense pressure to fly. Larry Shaben, the author's father and Canada's first Muslim Cabinet Minister, was commuting home after a busy week at the Alberta Legislature. Constable Scott Deschamps was escorting Paul Archambault, a drifter wanted on an outstanding warrant. Against regulations, Archambault's handcuffs were removed - a decision that would profoundly impact the men's survival.

As the men fight through the night to stay alive, the dividing lines of power, wealth, and status are erased, and each man is forced to confront the precious and limited nature of his existence.

Kindle Customer

Great story.

Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024

Well written.

Lafmore

Illuminating

Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023

This isn't a grand survival adventure nor a sensationalized version of events. It is an exploration of how this tragedy occurred and how the experience shaped the lives of the survivors. A great deal dealt with the safety issues and how this accident affected the future of aviation in Canada. It also explores the physical, emotional and spiritual repercussions for the survivors. It is a well written, interesting story, although I felt the end got a little unfocused and rambling.

Tina

Hard to put it down.

Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024

I think it was Einstein who said "make things as simple as possible but, no simpler. The author gives us enough detail to keep the story interesting but shows restraint in adding irrelevant information to fill pages.

If you're the spiritual type (which I am) there are many great messages to be found here.

Paige Neaville

I did struggle finishing this, but glad I did!

Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2023

Overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars and I only rate low because I found myself losing interest in the nitty gritty details of all things airplanes. I understand this is a detailed true account I just was not at all interested in types of aircraft, detailed descriptions of how pilots have to figure out how to land when they can't see, etc. Sounds interesting, but wasn't (to me at least). Also, I didn't like when the author was telling of one of the survivors and we'd go off in left field about something in their life for a while then come right back. Bit of a head spin for me. I finally did make it through though and glad I did because I enjoyed the ending and seeing the pictures of the survivors.

pamarella

An amazing and beautiful book!

Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023

This book is outstanding!
The author did an amazing job of explaining all the ins and outs of flying and making it understandable for the person who knows nothing about flying! Her research and detailed explanations are wonderful. The book captures the anxiety and suffering Erik went through in his job. The exhaustion and problems with a boss uncaring about safety or the well being of his pilots. My heart went out to Erik over and over again. Each man had a tender spot in my heart. I can’t comment on each one as I’ll give away the story!! Very well done! Carol Shaben brings us into the story, the anguish, the fear, pain, hopes and dreams of the survivors as well as the horrors of the crash and suffering of those who didn’t make it as well as their families. I’m so glad I read this book. The unlikely foursome had a bond that couldn’t be broken. All men of kindness and integrity. Their individual lives had suffering and happiness as we all do in life. We all hope for lives without trial and pain but those things build our character and give us compassion for others. A beautiful book. Thank you Carol for writing this.
pamarella
PRCS

Ruth Shelling

Survival Story

Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2023

I always like to read survival stories. I had a near death experience myself with a burst appendix in a remote area in Papua New Guinea. So I like to read how others have gone through trauma, come out the other side and gone on to do amazing things as a result of being deeply grateful to be alive. A near death experience is a defining moment in the life of a person and it definitely causes an evaluation of life. The four survivors in this book were profoundly impacted for the remainder of their lives. I was glad that the book followed through with the heroes so we could see the long term effect. It's an interesting read, rather than an exciting read.

gerry brockmann

A must read!

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024

Very well written. The writer talks about the lives of each of the survivors prior to and after the crash.
A great true story read.

DENNIS g BRUNSWICK

A thoughtful story

Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024

I can't imagine going through what those people did and still make such an impact on the people around them. An inspiring story.. Would definitely recommend.

Best Sellers in

For the Love of Europe: My Favorite Places, People, and Stories

4.8 999

19.1

Jamaican Patois: Get Past Ya Mon and Speak Jamaican Fi Real

4.7 104

13.08

Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road

4.6 4335

26.21

Round Here and Over Yonder: A Front Porch Travel Guide by Two Progressive Hillbillies (Yes, That’s a Thing.)

4.7 118

17.32

Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life

4.5 10173

26.21

My Own Magic: A Reappearing Act

4.4 602

22.04

Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D'

4.2 2420

17.71

Travels with Charley in Search of America

4.5 9418

13.78