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Review
"Explosive and thrilling." --"News of the World"
"Offers a new take on the Iraq conflict . . . gripping stuff."-"The Bookseller"
"Offers a new take on the Iraq conflict . . . gripping stuff."-"The Bookseller"
Book Description
A fast-moving first-hand account of a hired gun's experiences in Iraq
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this a hard book to put down. Low is a very good writer and at times a very good nature comes out on paper. I found his background in the Legion very interesting and the thought he came from around the corner, and yet lived such a different life is really amazing. He writes well about his time in the Legion in France training and then in Africa. His time as a greedy contractor in Iraq is honest and frank. Iraq is to him a 'stinking tub of margarine', but he does have compassion- a sense of fear for the safety of a female worker in his compound, the loss of his Japanese ex-Legion colleague, the descriptions of his crazy Iraqi companions are often touching. There are large tracts of boredom punctuated with arse clenching excitement. He never exaggerates or ever makes himself out to be brave, but describes the reality of fear and the mundanity of often missing death by inches.
The book doesn't have much of an end which is probably fair enough since at the time of writing the war was ongoing. Its a straightforward soldiers straightforward account of life in the Warzone with black humour, honesty about the fear of death and a certain decency that stays with him throughout. We're talking South London decency- kind of bloke who doesn't speak prettily, but he'll stand by you till the end if need be and wont run out on you. Well worth the read for an insight into the Legion and the world of Armourgroup inc in Iraq with all the irritation of working for a private company who treat war like businesses run any other business. They are in it for the money, thats true enough, but this guy at least hasn't sold out on what it means to be a good soldier, and thats something worth reading.
The book doesn't have much of an end which is probably fair enough since at the time of writing the war was ongoing. Its a straightforward soldiers straightforward account of life in the Warzone with black humour, honesty about the fear of death and a certain decency that stays with him throughout. We're talking South London decency- kind of bloke who doesn't speak prettily, but he'll stand by you till the end if need be and wont run out on you. Well worth the read for an insight into the Legion and the world of Armourgroup inc in Iraq with all the irritation of working for a private company who treat war like businesses run any other business. They are in it for the money, thats true enough, but this guy at least hasn't sold out on what it means to be a good soldier, and thats something worth reading.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this book in four days, it was 'unputdownable', only work made me put it down. A real life account, what an adventure this blokes had. For me the best part of the book was his time spent in the Foreign Legion, where he describes his combat experiences fighting rebels in Central Africa. Along with his experiences as a hired gun in Iraq this book for me is up there with the best. Fast and furious as well as quite funny in places, read it you wont be dissapointed.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is my first PMC book and a great way to start!! Written like a real 'squaddie'. Be prepared to be shocked with some of the thoughts and stories of the writer...but be prepared to laugh as well !! Simon I shake your hand.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Enjoyable read and brought back memories
I bought the book at an airport as I was returning to work. I worked along side Simon whilst in Tikret and it was a throughly enjoyable read. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Expat Brit
very real
The book is very detailed view into life of the soldier in Iraq and his memories of Foreign Legion.Very interesting and real..
Published 19 months ago by Thomas
Undecided
I was a little disappointed with this book for a couple of reasons. Firstly the author makes reference to constant "contacts" with insurgents, however there seems to be only four... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Shagbuniz
great read
excellent book , hard to put down and interesting to read a different point of view on iraq. also good stories from time in the legion
Published 23 months ago by Mr. Julian Griffin
very interesting read!
I bought this book following good reviews. I was not dissapointed! This book is very interesting, talking about a current issue. Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2009 by buddhi
The next McNab
I was surprised at how literate Simon Low is. He can write, which is why I think he could be the next Andy McNab (of whom I am a great fan). Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2009 by Roy Brookes
Great
Great read. One of the only books I've read that looks at the conflict from a private mercenary angle. Worth reading
Published on 27 Feb 2009 by Mr. M. J. Cooper
Pretty boring at times
I have read alot of military autobiogs and this was not one of the best I have read. I found the exciting aspects few and far between... Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2009 by knockyoak
Gripping, unembellished, honest story
Excellent read and I finished it in three nights. An ex-SAS friend said that 'it looks honest, unlike many books'. I agreed 100%. Read more
Published on 2 Mar 2008 by S. M. W. Whibley
Good
Interesting and well written. A lot of action. Some of it (and the tension built) happening in the head of the author (options, threats, worse scenarios...). There is humour. Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2008 by Rafal Gruszczynski
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