- Paperback: 228 pages
- Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd (1 Oct 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 190621039X
- ISBN-13: 978-1906210397
- Product Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.1 x 1.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 215,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
After finishing university but not ready to settle down, Gareth Carins joined the French Foreign Legion in 1996 and served for five years in their elite Parachute Regiment. He experienced at first hand the extremes of human nature, witnessing both the brutal cruelty shown by some Legionnaires in the name of tradition, to the personal sacrifices shown by others. Along the way he met many of the fascinating characters that come from all corners of the world to serve in the ranks of the Foreign Legion. Diary of a Legionnaire is a candid and eye opening insight into this mysterious army, told through Gareth's exciting and at times humorous adventures during the first eighteen months of his service, as we follow him from the brutality of basic training, to the realities of combat in the jungles of West Africa
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Gareth Cairns account of his time in the Legion is the ultimate page turner from the very start when he presents himself at Aubagne not really sure what to expect,but ready for anything.'It didn't disappoint'...in providing the adventure he sort. From the brutality of The Farm to the emotion of receiving his Kepi Blanc and entering this unique of all military organisations we are kept wanting to know what happens next. After endless training in various specialities, with the ever present injustice of the Legions hierachy, we follow Gareth into some of the most unpredictable and volatile African countries.Here events unfold at alarming speed and the mixture of the suffering and futility of conflict are contrasted against the humanity and dignity of those simply trying to survive. The description of Legionaires having a hog roast in the garden of the Guinness factory they have been sent to guard in the Central African Republic will bring a wry smile to even the most hardened of men. As a recent personal account of one mans experience in the internationally renound French Foreign Legion I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who seeks accounts of real life adventure.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Open and honest account of life in the foreign legion. Very interesting read covering basic & parachute training, 2 tours of duty and a lot more. Very entertaining, kept my attention throughout. Highly recommended.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
This book is a gripping account of one mans self determination to overcome all the odds. We all say to ourselves 'i could do that'. Well Gareth did what most of us wouldnt, he actually did it and came out the other side a wiser knowledgable man for it. Anyone reading his account of these5 years of his life cant help but be put in his shoes on every page, you run his runs, you fight his fights you shed his tears and you feel as proud of him as he does himself. I guarantee once you read the first page this book will not leave your side until you turn the last page over. And then you may read it again just to take it all in. Most of us will have regrets when we grow old, not Gareth, he enlisted and survived in the toughest army in the world. An englishman in a foreign country in a foreign army. Sir, l salute you.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Thank you Gareth
Easy to read, funny and human, I really enjoyed his book. The reader gets a good image of the actions and of the legionnaire's life: hard physical training, humiliations,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by GIRAUD Christophe
A good read
Interesting content and a peep behind the scenes of this secretive world BUT the spelling mistakes spoiled it for me! (e.g. Soy Source!)
Published on 11 Nov 2009 by Mrs. V. J. A. Cook
Excellent Book
I am soooooo glad I bought this book. For a military book it was hilarious at times as well as gripping and extremly interesting which is exactly what I wanted. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by Kath
Great Read
I just fininshed reading the book today and I have to say it was by far one the best books I've read in a long time. Read more
Published on 14 Feb 2009 by S. Cassidy
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