13 Hours (book)
Mitchell Zuckoff | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Writer |
| Known for | Author of "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi" |
13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi is a 2014 historical work authored by American writer Mitchell Zuckoff. It provides a detailed recounting of the terrorist assault carried out by Islamist militants against the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. The book centers on the experiences of those defending the compound, deliberately steering clear of the political debates linked to the incident.
Reception
Karen DeYoung of The Washington Post observed that, similar to other Special Operations bestsellers like "Lone Survivor" and "No Easy Day," 13 Hours prioritizes action scenes rather than delving into U.S. foreign policy, security strategies, or the broader Libyan context. Roman Augustoviz from Star Tribune characterized it as an engaging narrative focusing on six security personnel, detailing their backgrounds, training, responses during the crisis, and interdependence. Glenn C. Altschuler of The Boston Globe commended the book for its tense and often brutal depiction of the security team's bravery and skill, striving to portray their efforts without political or partisan bias.
Film
The book was transformed into a major motion picture in 2016, directed by Michael Bay and featuring performances by James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, and Max Martini. Although the film received varied critiques due to its political implications, it earned $69.4 million globally on a production budget of $50 million.
See also
- Counterterrorism Center
- Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 (2007), another book with a similar theme by Marcus Luttrell.