A book that you certainly feel. (Black Hawk Down - Mark Bowden)

Name: stayleyvegas

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Product:	Black Hawk Down - Mark Bowden
Date:	13/05/07 (160 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: doesnt over exaggerate/avoids painiting USA military as gung ho

Disadvantages: could make you physically sick if so inclined.

This book is based on a true story of the American Rangers and Delta Force’s attempt in October 1993 to abduct two top lieutenants of a Somali warlord from the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia. There is also an award winning movie of the same name.

This book is not for the faint hearted and if it was a book of fiction you would feel it has gone over the top. However, it is a book of fact and was written with the full cooperation of those involved (although it does feel as though it is a fictional novel). The whole of the situation was filmed and recorded by a US spy plane and the writer has had access to all these recordings.

It is not an easy book to read simply because a lot of the book is descriptive and it is very difficult to picture the overall scene being described (and remember all the characters involved). What I mean by this is that if it describes soldier X at position Y it is difficult to remember exactly where they are in terms of where everyone else is, especially given they are moving around.

However, the book leaves nothing to the imagination. Some of the situations, horrors and injuries described can almost be felt and you can almost taste the blood. The book succeeds in viewing the situation through the eyes of the people involved and the pure fright, frustrations and determination.

Also, this is not a book from a US viewpoint where the good guys win through in the end (although technically the operation was a success as it achieved the goals set out). It is a warts and all view of what happened.

This book is harrowing. You will either love it or hate it but one thing's for certain - you will feel it.

New on Amazon £5.49 or 1p Amazon Marketplace.

Summary: A true story, beautifully portrayed warts and all.