I was impressed - and I can say this now I've read the book - having been sceptical about how an author could bring to life a story that was but the smallest blip on the calendar of history.
But Rowland really does. And more importantly he compels you into thinking it was THE historical event of the time, nestled in amongst the 30+ years of the Cold War, that could have turned the tide in South American politics, UK reputation and UK/US relations.
There is no disputing my ignorance of the South American region and the political landscape of the 60's and 70's that caused the ebb and flow of regional tension; I have always been much more acutely focussed on how the UK and the labour government almost dismantled the Royal Navy and handed over good but well worn aircraft to the RAF instead of TSR2 or F-16.
But this book bounces you along in a manner similar to the purposeful, powerful and proud Ark Royal as she drove north through the rough waters of the North Atlantic. It just keeps you going. The parallels he draws for the current state of the UK military, the Royal Navy in particular, makes stark reading.
The detail he dragged from those embarked in the squadrons at the time brought conventional carrier aviation to life in a way that I found raised my pulse and breathing rate on every launch. By cleverly weaving in the detail of the diplomatic and political aspects of both the Cold War issues and that of the key focus, Belize, allows to you to take a well earned pause between the flying action that only a carrier can make so dramatic. The bonus feature of course is that fact that I'm now much more knowledgeable about the period and the era than ever I was before.
Rowland has crafted a book for all ages that I have read; my father in law is now glued to and is soon to be tagged by my son once he can prise it from his wizened fingers.
Excellent detail (just look at the pages of acknowledgements) allied to a wonderful, flowing style makes the action leap out of the pages at you.
Whatever he writes next let's hope it's sooner rather than later.