Cruel Crossing

This is a very shocking book. It recaptures the adventure and the horror as it brilliantly conjures up the voices of the past. – Jason Goodwin * Country Life *
Charming but astute, Stourton captures not only the extraordinary courage of the escapers and the passeurs, or guides, who helped them, but the sense of danger and excitement as they evaded their pursuers. – Adrian Brewer * The Tablet *
A moving retelling of some of the war’s most heroic episodes – Nigel Jones * Sunday Telegraph *
Stourton’s richly rewarding research into the wartime journeys across the Pyrenees reminds us of so many dramatic stories of courage, tragedy, endurance and survival. – Iain Finlayson * Saga Magazine *
Stourton writes evocatively and with sensitivity… an engaging collection of tales. – Viv Watts * Daily Express *
Fascinating… vivid, detailed and dramatic * The Lady *
An extremely moving book full of wartime heroism and sacrifice * The Good Book Guide *
These are gripping stories that make you ask “what would I have done” if faced with an escapee needing help? * The Times *
Honest, astonishing and emotional… a mesmerising work on the Second World War’s overlooked heroes. * Daily Express *
Edward Stourton’s portrayal of the escape lines across the Pyrenees – the courage and endurance of those involved and above all, the heroism in one man (or woman) risking their life for another – is rich in detail and a remarkable testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. A compelling read. * James Holland *

Edward Stourton is the author of six books. He is a writer and presenter of several high-profile current-affairs programmes and documentaries for radio and television, and regularly presents BBC Radio Four programmes such as The World at One, The World This Weekend, Sunday and Analysis. He is a frequent contributor to the Today programme, where for ten years he was one of the main presenters.

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