- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Macmillan (10 May 2002)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0333989201
- ISBN-13: 978-0333989203
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.8 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
465,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #24 in Books > History > Countries & Regions > Africa > Western > Sierra Leone
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Major Phil Ashby already had a reputation for surviving scrapes, where others would - and did - break bones and worse. His strength, resourcefulness and luck had been tested to the full during his career in the Royal Marines' elite Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre and various adventurous expeditions. That luck, however, appeared to have run out in May 2000, when he was working for the UN, disarming brutalized rebels in war-ravaged Sierra Leone. When the rebels turned on the UN's representatives, butchering, skinning alive and dismembering several peacekeepers and taking over 500 hostages, it seemed that all was lost and that Ashby and the other two Brits and a Kiwi would perish violently and gruesomely. Instead, Ashby took the decision to die quickly rather than slowly by attempting to escape through rebel lines. They were vastly outnumbered. They were unarmed. Somehow he led his three colleagues on a daring, dramatic escape through hostile jungle. He was awarded the Queen's Gallantry medal for his actions.
Book Description
Major Phil Ashby already had a reputation for surviving scrapes, where others would - and did - break bones and worse. His strength, resourcefulness and luck had been tested to the full during his career in the Royal Marines' elite Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, and various adventurous expeditions. That luck, however, appeared to have run out in May 2000, when he was working for the UN, disarming brutalised rebels in war-ravaged Sierra Leone. When the rebels turned on the UN's representatives, butchering, skinning alive and dismembering several peacekeepers and taking over 500 hostages, it seemed that all was lost and that Ashby and the other two Brits and a Kiwi would perish violently and gruesomely. Instead Ashby took the decision to die quickly rather than slowly by attempting to escape through the rebel lines. They were vastly outnumbered. They were unarmed. Somehow he led his three colleagues on a daring, dramatic and heart-stopping escape through hostile jungle. He was awarded the Queen's Gallantry medal for his actions.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Very rarely do you find a book so competently written within the military bracket. Major Phil Ashby is a man who has experienced so much that it would be a horrible injustice for this book not to exist, and for his story not to be told.
His status as a commissioned officer immediately marks him apart from the majority of military authors, and perhaps his more privileged upbringing explains the unusual fluency of his prose.
Simply put, an incredibly resilient man tells an absolutely enthralling tale of experiences the likes of which you and I could seldom imagine, let alone find ourselves living. If you like books of this genre, you simply won't find a better written or more engaging one than this.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I expected a Mc Knabb/Ryan style of book when i read the back cover of the book.
In fact it turned into more of partial life story which looked at incidents that occurred in Sierra Leone, and the extremely difficult job the UN have to do across the world.
Although it's not an endless tale of shootouts and bombings, it does keeps you at the edge of your seat and at time brings lumps in your throat.
I really enjoyed the book it came across at a human level, and the personal stories interlaced with the more arduous army training made the book a must for a generation brought up on the exploits of Falklands and Gulf War veterans
In fact it turned into more of partial life story which looked at incidents that occurred in Sierra Leone, and the extremely difficult job the UN have to do across the world.
Although it's not an endless tale of shootouts and bombings, it does keeps you at the edge of your seat and at time brings lumps in your throat.
I really enjoyed the book it came across at a human level, and the personal stories interlaced with the more arduous army training made the book a must for a generation brought up on the exploits of Falklands and Gulf War veterans
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I agree with one of the other reviewers that the association of the book with "Bravo Two Zero"/Andy McNab is unfortunate. Entertaining as Bravo Two Zero is, Unscathed leaves it far behind in terms of the quality of writing and the ability of the author to engage his (civilian) audience. The book is much more similar to the (non-fiction) works of Ranulph Fiennes.
I could not put the book down - and read it in two days (Working days!) Much to my surprise, my wife then picked it up and had the same experience.
The images of civil-war-torn Sierra Leone are sickening and fascinating by turns.
But this book is really about a fascinating character, doing extraordinary things.
An inspiring read!
I could not put the book down - and read it in two days (Working days!) Much to my surprise, my wife then picked it up and had the same experience.
The images of civil-war-torn Sierra Leone are sickening and fascinating by turns.
But this book is really about a fascinating character, doing extraordinary things.
An inspiring read!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An Authentic voice
First off, terrible cover. Wouldn't have looked at it twice, frankly, not into Andy McNab and his ilk. But this was recommended by a good friend so gave it a shot. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Toby J. Wilsher
tales of daring
A rivetting account of great adventures and daring escapades ,all true and in our own lifetime. Very inspirational to anyone who yearns for adventure .
Published on 9 May 2010 by the doc
Unscathed by Major Phil Ashby
Having read 'Ice Bears and Kotick' by Peter Webb, I bought this.
A fast, terrifying, riveting read with precious moments of humour. Read more
A fast, terrifying, riveting read with precious moments of humour. Read more
Published on 5 April 2010 by D. J. Lay
Escape from 'Sierra Leone'
Not sure why other reviews are banging on about Bravo Two Zero and the fact that this book isn't like that, the synopsis doesn't draw any parallels? Read more
Published on 28 Oct 2009 by Paul Mc
AN EXCITING STORY TOLD WITH PASSION AND HUMOUR
Phil Ashby has led an an extraodinary life, the books covers not just his exploits in Sierra Leone but also his time at university, joining the Marines, His ML course and a number... Read more
Published on 25 Aug 2007 by Tommy Atkins
No Bravo Two Zero
This is book is certainly no Andy McNab novel there is very little action which isn't too hard to believe judging by it's limited number of pages. Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2006 by C. Rivers
If you liked Bravo Two Zero.....
This book caught my eye from the moment I saw it. I rarely read this type of book, but glancing through the photos I was quite intrigued, and so on a whim I decided to buy it. Read more
Published on 28 Aug 2003
Top notch read, especially for potential Royal Marines
Wow. Just buy the book now. This book will motivate you and inspire you in life and training (if you want to join RM). Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2003
unscathed
Fantastic read!
Not being a fan of english when I was at school, I try not to read books as a rule, but this book caught my eye. Read more
Published on 22 Jun 2002 by Mike
an exceptional book- a must read
This book is a must for anyone trying to understand the U.N. or Sierra Leone. Phil Ashby gives the real story behind the headlines, of how peace-keeping really works (or... Read more
Published on 31 May 2002 by Fraser Galbraith (jock_climber@hotmail.com)
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