Into the Abyss

An Extraordinary True Story

By: Carol Shaben

Narrated by: Tiffany Morgan

Read the "gripping and emotionally affecting" book where four men survived the plane crash. The pilot. A politician. A cop... and the criminal he was shackled to (Washington Post).

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.

Critic reviews

Praise for Into the Abyss:



"With Into the Abyss Carol Shaben gives us an astonishing true story of catastrophe and redemption. Shaben writes from the inside out, as in the best non-fiction, creating a nuanced and tightly braided portrait of four men and their shared trauma that is by turns terrifying and deeply humane. Every line in this story rings true."—John Vaillant, author of The Tiger

"As a concept, it doesn't get much better [than this]... Into the Abyss is in the best traditions of true-life journalism and grips from beginning to end."—Iain Finlayson, The Times

Great book!

As an aviator myself, I thought this book was fantastic! It REALLY speaks aviation. Lots of aviation terminology. Which made it wonderful to me! Putting myself in the pilots position and the struggles he endured.
If you know nothing about aviation, this book may be a bit boring.
I also felt like this book had a lot of filler. After chapter 17, I found myself fast forwarding thru much of the material. She drug out a lot of what could have been very condensed.
Overall, I enjoyed the book!

I Identify As A Child Who’s Father Was Involved Ina A Plane Crash

Carol Shaben and I are peers in this way- each of our fathers were involved in a plane crash. Her father survived while mine did not. I found this book healing for me as I imagined what might have happened if my father had survived through the lens of the three that did survive this crash. Thank you Carol (and Tiffany for giving voice to Carol’s story).

Excellent book

Carol is an incredible author. I couldn’t quit listening. The research was thorough and presented in a way that kept me wanting more.

Not a favorite.

Nothing outstanding. Too much technicality in setting up the characters. Although there was an accident, I hoped for more excitement.

This should be made into a movie!

This should be made into a movie! Really enjoyed this story. Just a great book!