Different

Having read a previous review, I was expecting to have to skip the foreword. However, I found it to be well worded and far from pompous (Max Hastings does have that sort of voice, but his words are usually very well chosen).
The stories themselves are very interesting, covering as they do each person's life and not just some brief, particular exploit.
The previous reviewer who gave up based on the foreword did themselves out of an interesting and enjoyable listen.

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Great stories about some incredible people

This book is wonderfully written and narrated. The world forgets about people that bravely fought for the freedom we in the west now have, and some even despise the men and women that gave up their lives so we could have a better future. The introduction by Max Hastings is insightful and in my opinion bang on the money. I would like to address a review written by a gentleman who after listening to the introduction decided not to listen to the rest of the book, This is a shame as it appears to me that he has based this decision on his own political views and with his differing opinion on the banning of fox hunting and (in my opinion) the unforgivable decision by John Major to reform the honours system within the military. Every person that has served in the military (including myself) understands the difference between the expected behaviour of an officer and soldiers of other ranks and as such the way awards are given should always be different, its nothing to do with class. To me, this is a problem that we have in our society, a lot of people are unwilling to listen to others who share a different political point of view or different ideals and this gentlemen didn't want to listen to the book because Max Hastings opinions on a few things were different to his. The stories in this book about some extraordinary people are not based on Max Hastings own opinions they are based on historical records and its wonderful to learn about some amazing soldiers that I'd never even heard of.
Max Hastings history of war books are second to none, they are un biased and I hugely recommend a few books you can pick up on Audible for free, All Hell Let Loose, Bomber Command and Overlord. I'm yet to read Das Reich but that is next on my list.

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1 person found this helpful

Great stories

Exciting in parts, fascinating in others, Max Hastings has done it again. A great book with some surprising 'Warriors' as well as the classic type.

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6 people found this helpful

Great listen

A great listen with compelling stories and good attention to detail also very well narrated

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Interesting stories

The stories of the people chosen as the warriors are really interesting. Loads of facts and action that is well written and well told.

However the overarching theme throughout the book is the bizarre almost “through gritted teeth” respect the author gives them.
It’s as if these warriors don’t actually meet the criteria Hastings lays out at the start of the book.
Any positive deeds feel like they are begrudgingly being told and mistakes or faults of those concerned are picked up upon and highlighted with glee.

I do not understand the authors point in writing this book if he doesn’t feel many of them merit the title. It’s as if no one can meet his own ideal of what a warrior is. There is so mocking of those who have served and served well but don’t seem to reach the dizzy heights of world fame.

And all this from someone who never served a day in the armed forces.

Strange.

That said, if you can put aside the weird stance Hasting takes the individual stories are excellent.

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Poor pronunciation

Great writing but as with many audio books the narrator pronounces many common enough words incorrectly which is a little annoying.

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Worth a listen.

Usual high Max quality writing. Slightly different where it covers individuals of different nations across different periods

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History of characters

A wonderful history of human warriors with their warts, wit and wisdom laid out in the open to be seen, to be learnt from but never to be judged.

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Thoroughly absorbing

A fascinating collection of mini biographies. I was unaware until now that Hastings was such a good writer; he manages to convey both the intensity and confusion of each individual experience while at the same time provide clear and penetrating analysis of what made his subjects tick. Excellent narration.

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6 people found this helpful

Very good, entertaining and quite informative.

I enjoyed this book very much, but you need to go into it with the right expectations. It's more of an entertaining historical book with short biographies of interesting warriors from recent centuries with some over arching themes about the life of a soldier and the qualities of a good one. The selected stories are not just of the best warriors in history but more about interesting warriors that fit the theme of the book, so don't expect just heroic stories, it's a bit deeper and in my opinion more interesting.
The narration was top notch as well.

Overall I would recommend this to military history enthusiasts who are looking for something a bit lighter to listen in between more dense books or while doing something else as this doesn't require your full attention to enjoy. I suppose it might be good for someone getting into military history as well, especially for someone who enjoys biographies.

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2 people found this helpful