Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

magnificent, 06 Nov 2008
A wonderful history of a sadly overlooked part of English/Scottish history.

Fascinating, gripping, bloody and violent - a truly fabulous account of the Reivers and their culture.

GMF writes in a great style which keeps you gripped and entertained from the first page to the last.

This book is perfect for anyone with the slightest interest is English/Scottish history - but to be honest, it's such a cracking read I can't think of anyone who wouldnt enjoy it.



Wild Borders Cowboys, 14 May 2007
If you have read any of George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman books, you'll know that he can spin a brilliant yarn. That magic touch is more than apparent here. The Steel Bonnets reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, revealing the border lands between England and Scotland in the sixteenth century as a British Wild West, but the facts and analysis come thick and fast and never cease to fascinate. Just brilliant.

gripping, 01 Jun 2004
I'm biased about this book because I'm from the borders and the Graham family, which I belong to, were one of the families most involved in the dirty deals and goings on in the area. This book shows what life was like on the borders between England and Scotland, and informs us that blackmail and greenmail and bereave were words that sprang out of the slaughter and disorder. The wrongdoers can also be seen as victims, driven to desperation through the constant warring of the rival kingdoms and stuck in the middle. Yhe trouble is that the theiving and deception that the locals resorted to in times of war became a habit that was difficult to break.

Nutters, 19 Feb 2004
Man! what a book! They're all stark raving bonkers. Being an englishman you hear these strange tales of the borders, about Scottish thugs stealing, looting, killing, and a-raping the poor, humble, and hard working English (while being incredibly drunk). Well that's the stereotype and... to an extent, according to this book it's true! But what this book also adds is the total and utter ambiguity of both sides of the border. It is like someone has stuck a huge great mirror on the border. So much for the wee oppressed english peasants and so much for country loyalties. This gives a more realistic view beyond the english ideals of the south and the romanticsm of the Border Ballads, (and shows what a bunch of nutters the Borderers where). This book is fascinating and it is easily accessible. The language flows and doesn't get bogged down in academic twaddle. It sifts through all the difficult points and re-inforces that life is not black and white. Well I think so anyway. It's a good interesting book

RIVETING, 14 Nov 2000
The author vividly describes these very violent times in a way which leaves the reader wanting more. Before or after reading the book you are strongly advised to visit the Borders and savour the atmosphere . I suggest you chose a time when the weather is not too kind and the book will 'come to life'. I think that a TV Company could make a riveting documentary based on The Steel Bonnets.

Twenty-five years after first setting foot on Lebanese soil, award-winning journalist Robert Fisk has revised his brilliant study of this troubled country, Pity the Nation, for a third edition, to include the years since its initial publication in 1990. Artificially created as a country by the French in 1920, Lebanon's revenge was to "welcome all her invaders and then kiss them to death". Since arriving during the 1976 Muslim-Maronite civil war, Fisk has travelled its length to seek out, as well as provide, eye-witness account of combat and atrocity. The book's main pre-occupation is the Israeli invasion of the early 1980s and its terrible aftermath, including the appalling massacre of Palestinians at the Shabra and Chatila camps. Banned in Lebanon itself, the first edition of Pity the Nation ended with close friend and colleague Terry Anderson still being held by Islamic Jihad. Inevitably, Anderson's release in 1991, along with other Western hostages such as Terry Waite and John McCarthy, emotionally informs the bulk of the new material, which also considers the Gulf War, Islamic resurgence, the collapse of the Oslo peace agreement and the bloody 1996 Qana massacre in a UN refugee compound by Israeli forces, to which Fisk bears terrible witness. He sees Yasser Arafat make the transmission from "terrorist to superstatesman to superterrorist", but by the end of this exhaustive testimony, virtually the last Western journalist left in West Beirut, he admits, "I still fear the monsters". And then Ariel Sharon is elected prime minister of Israel in February 2001.

Fisk, formerly of The Times and now Middle East correspondent for The Independent, writes as combatively as the events he so vividly describes. With a fastidious eye for detail, he rails against day-tripping reporters who betray truth with their clichés and loose language, constantly defending language against false appropriation: "terrorism", for example, wielded by one side to describe acts committed against them, deprives the term of any objective purpose and thus legitimises reprisal. He makes reparation with this unique and passionate analysis, still angry after all these years, which remains the most relentless and convincing account yet of the bloodiest quarter-century in Lebanon's history. --David Vincent

Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

magnificent, 06 Nov 2008
A wonderful history of a sadly overlooked part of English/Scottish history.

Fascinating, gripping, bloody and violent - a truly fabulous account of the Reivers and their culture.

GMF writes in a great style which keeps you gripped and entertained from the first page to the last.

This book is perfect for anyone with the slightest interest is English/Scottish history - but to be honest, it's such a cracking read I can't think of anyone who wouldnt enjoy it.



Wild Borders Cowboys, 14 May 2007
If you have read any of George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman books, you'll know that he can spin a brilliant yarn. That magic touch is more than apparent here. The Steel Bonnets reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, revealing the border lands between England and Scotland in the sixteenth century as a British Wild West, but the facts and analysis come thick and fast and never cease to fascinate. Just brilliant.

gripping, 01 Jun 2004
I'm biased about this book because I'm from the borders and the Graham family, which I belong to, were one of the families most involved in the dirty deals and goings on in the area. This book shows what life was like on the borders between England and Scotland, and informs us that blackmail and greenmail and bereave were words that sprang out of the slaughter and disorder. The wrongdoers can also be seen as victims, driven to desperation through the constant warring of the rival kingdoms and stuck in the middle. Yhe trouble is that the theiving and deception that the locals resorted to in times of war became a habit that was difficult to break.

Nutters, 19 Feb 2004
Man! what a book! They're all stark raving bonkers. Being an englishman you hear these strange tales of the borders, about Scottish thugs stealing, looting, killing, and a-raping the poor, humble, and hard working English (while being incredibly drunk). Well that's the stereotype and... to an extent, according to this book it's true! But what this book also adds is the total and utter ambiguity of both sides of the border. It is like someone has stuck a huge great mirror on the border. So much for the wee oppressed english peasants and so much for country loyalties. This gives a more realistic view beyond the english ideals of the south and the romanticsm of the Border Ballads, (and shows what a bunch of nutters the Borderers where). This book is fascinating and it is easily accessible. The language flows and doesn't get bogged down in academic twaddle. It sifts through all the difficult points and re-inforces that life is not black and white. Well I think so anyway. It's a good interesting book

RIVETING, 14 Nov 2000
The author vividly describes these very violent times in a way which leaves the reader wanting more. Before or after reading the book you are strongly advised to visit the Borders and savour the atmosphere . I suggest you chose a time when the weather is not too kind and the book will 'come to life'. I think that a TV Company could make a riveting documentary based on The Steel Bonnets.

The best analysis of the civil war, 30 Aug 2008
Robert Fisk's important book on the history of the civil war in Lebanon, up to the recent past, provides one of the most authoritative sources on the country's recent history, the tragedies that have taken place there, and the political background that has created such internal strife. Having recently visited Lebanon and the south of the country, Pity the Nation allowed me to have some insight into the complex social issues the people face.

Fisk's biggest achievement with this account, however, is that he manages to describe the situation on the ground for ordinary people and viscerally depicts the terror of living under constant fear or war, invasion, death, destruction, terrorism and lack of hope. Important reading for understanding many of the issues in the Middle Easy today including the policies of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, PLO and the USA and their complex relationships in this divided nation.

"Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.", 08 Oct 2007
This book provides an exceptional depiction of the tragedies that Lebanon underwent during the last quarter of the 20th century,

The bulk of the book focuses on the events that took place during the civil war between 1975 and 1990, hence, it covered the Syrian intervention in 1976, the Israeli invasions in both 1978 and 1982, and the involvement of the multinational forces (USA, Britain and Italy) in the aftermath of the 1982 invasion, which triggered an escalation in civil war. Although not covered in much details, Robert Fisk provides brief snaps taken from the major events that led the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, such as the Jewish Holocaust and the ethnics cleansing of Palestine. In addition, there are small sections that covered briefly events related to the Lebanese history during the 1860s (Christians and Druze civil war) and 1950s (USA's first involvement).

Despite some accusations against Mr Fisk of being biased in his reporting, I felt that the author has presented a valuable piece of work that successfully captured the ugliness of the war, and exposed the wrong doings of all involved from Palestinians to Israelis, Muslims and Christians, Syrians and the USA. There is a whole chapter that was dedicated to the role of the media in this conflict and other similar conflicts around the world, as well as the hypocrisy and double standards of reporting that was and continue to brain wash the masses to achieve some cynical goals.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who has an interest in the Lebanese history or the recent developments in the Middle East. It is a little grim and harsh at times, but so has been the fate of this region of the world for as far as I can remember.


The Horrors of the Nation, 14 Apr 2007
Robert Fisk's extensive account of the Lebanese civil war is an amazing mosaic of events and stories that in its entirety paint a pretty good picture of the horrors that took place from 1976 to 1996. Mr Fisk has an almost unparalleled ability to be on the spot as events are either unfolding or have just happened.

Pity the Nation is the story of a journalist working in pretty dire conditions and a first account witness statement to the atrocities of civil war, Israeli invasion, more Israeli invasion and involvement by Syria, France, USA, Italy and many other countries that have somehow seemed to get involved in the destiny of Lebanon.

Fisk, along with Norwegian journalist Karsten Tveit, were the first to enter Sabra and Shatila after the massacre and recounts in graphic detail the sheer horror of the systematic extermination by the Christian Lebanese Forces and under the watchful eye of the occupying Israeli Defence Force. Fisk also found himself passing through Hama in Syria in 1982 when President Assad's forces killed between 10,000 and 25.000 civilians in an attempt to oust Muslim Brotherhood influence on Syrian politics. Lastly, he worked with Terry Andersson who was later to be kidnapped and held hostage for over 5 years. It is these stories, along with many more, that combine to give a full and fairly clear picture of war and politics in the Levant over a 20 year period.

Unfortunately the book does not work as a historical account and there are a number of omissions in the book that would need to be included for it to work. More attention would need to be given to the bombing of the US Embassy (such as motive and speculation / evidence as to who was involved), the kidnappings would need to be elaborated and especially the kidnapping of Terry Waite, which I think is dealt with very superficially. Fisk never pretends that Pity the Nation is a historical description of war in Lebanon.

Fisk is a brave man (you would have to be to have lived in Lebanon through the war) and has made himself controversial by writing the book. There is a multitude of very critical reviews by people who in one way or another find it difficult to deal with the very gory and almost unbelievable facts of the conflict. I, for one, believe Fisk's account to be reasonably truthful and precise, as he does not seem to be pushing any one sided agenda. But judge for yourself and be prepared for some stomach churning stuff . Anyone who went through what he did and was prepared to put it on paper afterwards deserves much more than a 5 Star Rating on Amazon!

Spellbinding!, 20 Mar 2007
A remarkable book. An account of one man's experiences rather than a conventional history.

The title uses Khalil Gibran's phrase 'Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion'. This seems so apposite - and could be applied to many countries other than The Lebanon.

I was fortunate enough to visit the country at Christmas 2005 - in a brief period of relative peace before the latest orgy of destruction. What amazes is the repetitive nature of events - does nobody ever learn? The only senior politician who seems to have tried to honestly break the vicious cycle of destruction and hatred (Yitzhak Rabin), was murdered by one of his own countrymen.

It amazes that Robert Fisk can write with such elegance and lucidity about such complex and horrific events. Despite its length, this book is very easy to read and totally gripping. Recommended!

Powerful, essential to understanding modern Lebanon, 15 Dec 2006
Probably one of the most powerful books I have ever read, Fisk gets to the heart of Lebanon and all of its diversity.

I found this book intellectually satisfying in that at its conclusion I felt I finally had a grasp of how the country's complex political arrangements actually work. This has really helped to provide some context to the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon and the region. The book also made an impact on an emotional level as I felt a real pang of terror during the recent Hezbollah-Israeli conflict, as if someone I know personally were being violated. A powerful book, indeed.

Fisk writes from and about Lebanon from the point of view of a transplanted native. This is what gives his writing its passion, but also its shall we say "non-mainstream" perspective. One assumes the average reader is intelligent enough to take this into account in developing one's own views on the many conflicts the book describes.

This is one of two books most often recommended as introductions to the study of Lebanon and especially its relationship with Israel, the other being Thomas Friedman's "From Beirut to Jerusalem". Friedman's book is the more readable for a general audience; Fisk's intense work is for those who really want to delve deeply into the subject.

Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

magnificent, 06 Nov 2008
A wonderful history of a sadly overlooked part of English/Scottish history.

Fascinating, gripping, bloody and violent - a truly fabulous account of the Reivers and their culture.

GMF writes in a great style which keeps you gripped and entertained from the first page to the last.

This book is perfect for anyone with the slightest interest is English/Scottish history - but to be honest, it's such a cracking read I can't think of anyone who wouldnt enjoy it.



Wild Borders Cowboys, 14 May 2007
If you have read any of George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman books, you'll know that he can spin a brilliant yarn. That magic touch is more than apparent here. The Steel Bonnets reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, revealing the border lands between England and Scotland in the sixteenth century as a British Wild West, but the facts and analysis come thick and fast and never cease to fascinate. Just brilliant.

gripping, 01 Jun 2004
I'm biased about this book because I'm from the borders and the Graham family, which I belong to, were one of the families most involved in the dirty deals and goings on in the area. This book shows what life was like on the borders between England and Scotland, and informs us that blackmail and greenmail and bereave were words that sprang out of the slaughter and disorder. The wrongdoers can also be seen as victims, driven to desperation through the constant warring of the rival kingdoms and stuck in the middle. Yhe trouble is that the theiving and deception that the locals resorted to in times of war became a habit that was difficult to break.

Nutters, 19 Feb 2004
Man! what a book! They're all stark raving bonkers. Being an englishman you hear these strange tales of the borders, about Scottish thugs stealing, looting, killing, and a-raping the poor, humble, and hard working English (while being incredibly drunk). Well that's the stereotype and... to an extent, according to this book it's true! But what this book also adds is the total and utter ambiguity of both sides of the border. It is like someone has stuck a huge great mirror on the border. So much for the wee oppressed english peasants and so much for country loyalties. This gives a more realistic view beyond the english ideals of the south and the romanticsm of the Border Ballads, (and shows what a bunch of nutters the Borderers where). This book is fascinating and it is easily accessible. The language flows and doesn't get bogged down in academic twaddle. It sifts through all the difficult points and re-inforces that life is not black and white. Well I think so anyway. It's a good interesting book

RIVETING, 14 Nov 2000
The author vividly describes these very violent times in a way which leaves the reader wanting more. Before or after reading the book you are strongly advised to visit the Borders and savour the atmosphere . I suggest you chose a time when the weather is not too kind and the book will 'come to life'. I think that a TV Company could make a riveting documentary based on The Steel Bonnets.

The best analysis of the civil war, 30 Aug 2008
Robert Fisk's important book on the history of the civil war in Lebanon, up to the recent past, provides one of the most authoritative sources on the country's recent history, the tragedies that have taken place there, and the political background that has created such internal strife. Having recently visited Lebanon and the south of the country, Pity the Nation allowed me to have some insight into the complex social issues the people face.

Fisk's biggest achievement with this account, however, is that he manages to describe the situation on the ground for ordinary people and viscerally depicts the terror of living under constant fear or war, invasion, death, destruction, terrorism and lack of hope. Important reading for understanding many of the issues in the Middle Easy today including the policies of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, PLO and the USA and their complex relationships in this divided nation.

"Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.", 08 Oct 2007
This book provides an exceptional depiction of the tragedies that Lebanon underwent during the last quarter of the 20th century,

The bulk of the book focuses on the events that took place during the civil war between 1975 and 1990, hence, it covered the Syrian intervention in 1976, the Israeli invasions in both 1978 and 1982, and the involvement of the multinational forces (USA, Britain and Italy) in the aftermath of the 1982 invasion, which triggered an escalation in civil war. Although not covered in much details, Robert Fisk provides brief snaps taken from the major events that led the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, such as the Jewish Holocaust and the ethnics cleansing of Palestine. In addition, there are small sections that covered briefly events related to the Lebanese history during the 1860s (Christians and Druze civil war) and 1950s (USA's first involvement).

Despite some accusations against Mr Fisk of being biased in his reporting, I felt that the author has presented a valuable piece of work that successfully captured the ugliness of the war, and exposed the wrong doings of all involved from Palestinians to Israelis, Muslims and Christians, Syrians and the USA. There is a whole chapter that was dedicated to the role of the media in this conflict and other similar conflicts around the world, as well as the hypocrisy and double standards of reporting that was and continue to brain wash the masses to achieve some cynical goals.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who has an interest in the Lebanese history or the recent developments in the Middle East. It is a little grim and harsh at times, but so has been the fate of this region of the world for as far as I can remember.


The Horrors of the Nation, 14 Apr 2007
Robert Fisk's extensive account of the Lebanese civil war is an amazing mosaic of events and stories that in its entirety paint a pretty good picture of the horrors that took place from 1976 to 1996. Mr Fisk has an almost unparalleled ability to be on the spot as events are either unfolding or have just happened.

Pity the Nation is the story of a journalist working in pretty dire conditions and a first account witness statement to the atrocities of civil war, Israeli invasion, more Israeli invasion and involvement by Syria, France, USA, Italy and many other countries that have somehow seemed to get involved in the destiny of Lebanon.

Fisk, along with Norwegian journalist Karsten Tveit, were the first to enter Sabra and Shatila after the massacre and recounts in graphic detail the sheer horror of the systematic extermination by the Christian Lebanese Forces and under the watchful eye of the occupying Israeli Defence Force. Fisk also found himself passing through Hama in Syria in 1982 when President Assad's forces killed between 10,000 and 25.000 civilians in an attempt to oust Muslim Brotherhood influence on Syrian politics. Lastly, he worked with Terry Andersson who was later to be kidnapped and held hostage for over 5 years. It is these stories, along with many more, that combine to give a full and fairly clear picture of war and politics in the Levant over a 20 year period.

Unfortunately the book does not work as a historical account and there are a number of omissions in the book that would need to be included for it to work. More attention would need to be given to the bombing of the US Embassy (such as motive and speculation / evidence as to who was involved), the kidnappings would need to be elaborated and especially the kidnapping of Terry Waite, which I think is dealt with very superficially. Fisk never pretends that Pity the Nation is a historical description of war in Lebanon.

Fisk is a brave man (you would have to be to have lived in Lebanon through the war) and has made himself controversial by writing the book. There is a multitude of very critical reviews by people who in one way or another find it difficult to deal with the very gory and almost unbelievable facts of the conflict. I, for one, believe Fisk's account to be reasonably truthful and precise, as he does not seem to be pushing any one sided agenda. But judge for yourself and be prepared for some stomach churning stuff . Anyone who went through what he did and was prepared to put it on paper afterwards deserves much more than a 5 Star Rating on Amazon!

Spellbinding!, 20 Mar 2007
A remarkable book. An account of one man's experiences rather than a conventional history.

The title uses Khalil Gibran's phrase 'Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion'. This seems so apposite - and could be applied to many countries other than The Lebanon.

I was fortunate enough to visit the country at Christmas 2005 - in a brief period of relative peace before the latest orgy of destruction. What amazes is the repetitive nature of events - does nobody ever learn? The only senior politician who seems to have tried to honestly break the vicious cycle of destruction and hatred (Yitzhak Rabin), was murdered by one of his own countrymen.

It amazes that Robert Fisk can write with such elegance and lucidity about such complex and horrific events. Despite its length, this book is very easy to read and totally gripping. Recommended!

Powerful, essential to understanding modern Lebanon, 15 Dec 2006
Probably one of the most powerful books I have ever read, Fisk gets to the heart of Lebanon and all of its diversity.

I found this book intellectually satisfying in that at its conclusion I felt I finally had a grasp of how the country's complex political arrangements actually work. This has really helped to provide some context to the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon and the region. The book also made an impact on an emotional level as I felt a real pang of terror during the recent Hezbollah-Israeli conflict, as if someone I know personally were being violated. A powerful book, indeed.

Fisk writes from and about Lebanon from the point of view of a transplanted native. This is what gives his writing its passion, but also its shall we say "non-mainstream" perspective. One assumes the average reader is intelligent enough to take this into account in developing one's own views on the many conflicts the book describes.

This is one of two books most often recommended as introductions to the study of Lebanon and especially its relationship with Israel, the other being Thomas Friedman's "From Beirut to Jerusalem". Friedman's book is the more readable for a general audience; Fisk's intense work is for those who really want to delve deeply into the subject.

A brilliant read., 19 Jun 2008
I'm currently reading Damien Lewis's book 'Bloody Heroes' and this is the book that influenced me to get 'Bloody Heroes'. The writing by Damien lewis is utterly compelling and audastic, he captures the sheer horror of being captured and held hostage to the adreniline fueled assault on the rebels base by a SAS/SBS force. Recommend this book and I also reccomend 'Bloody Heroes' By the same author.

Well crafted writing. Enjoyed it., 17 May 2008
The way in which OCD is written, to my mind, is a cross between Terence Strong at his best for the thriller aspect, and Michael Herr (Dispatches) for his ability to move in close to the guys and then zoom out again to paint the broader geopolitical picture.
Its obvious Damien has had face to face meetings with the lads, and seen a bit himself.
I don't have a problem with the attempt at breathing life into the characters; it would obviously have been proof-read by the lads mentioned before printing, and D. wouldn't have wanted to burn that particular bridge by upsetting them with BS. After all, the activities of special forces is where the market is. And yes, there is a BFG (read Cameron Spence's Iraq book to meet him.)

The story needed to be told, but it's the manner in which it's been told that can grate..., 06 May 2008
The book is a solid read, and on a subject which needed telling, but I do wish Lewis had merely 'reported' the exchanges between the troopers on the ground and not tried to re-enact/reconstruct them, almost verbatim (and annoyingly in the vernacular).

Like others I was tempted to skip whole passages whilst Kiwi (who had the cadences here of a South African and not a New Zealander), 'Jimmy the Cockney' and the Big Scottish Monster were bantering-off each other.

Only a minor gripe, but I feel that, in the initial stages of the book, more coverage of the reasons leading to Britain's involvement in Sierra Leone (i.e. Op Palliser being green-lit) could have been accorded the reader - in total contrast to the Analysis section of the book, which is spectacularly well researched, lucid and devastating in its damning indictment of the UN's hopelessly outmoded, inefficient and ultimately completely ineffective deployment, structure and mandating.

The section on the (it is to be hoped for) considered future use of Private Military Companies (PMCs) is sense incarnate: as the UN can no longer sit idly-by and watch (Angola, Rwanda et al) millions of innocents be slaughtered whilst merely wringing its hands whilst intoning "how disappointed we are..." whilst rebel and other bandit groups in Africa (and elsewhere) have unbridled free rein to butcher at will.

There's an old Regiment saying that they play by Big Boys' Rules: and the content of this book leaves you in no doubt that they they are deadly serious in that sentiment.

In complete contrast to the US Rangers and Delta Force débâcle in Mogadishu, even when not fighting in ideal conditions, the books is a textbook example of how a mission can succeed, and Lewis is to be congratulated on his ability to report obvious first-hand accounts of some of the men on the ground.



Not good, 27 Dec 2007
Whilst the story is gripping and no doubt well researched, by the author's admission some of the details especially surrounding the special forces is entirely fictional. As mentioned by another reviewer, the conversations between troopers is downright dire. I can only assume this is where the author ran out of imaginative dialogue to put down on paper. To cap it all off towards the end of the book the author switches from past tense to present tense. Why on earth this is done i have no idea as it completely breaks the narrative flow and adds nothing to the story. It would have been a lot better to stick to the known facts than to start imagining godawful dialogue to put into the story.

When's the film coming out?, 06 Sep 2007
I agree with most of what has been said by previous reviewers. Yes the depiction of some the dialogue is annoying, and yes Lewis does better when he sticks to writing about the operation itself, the build-up and the aftermath. But overall this is a terrific book, and the title - isn't that nabbed from Blackadder Goes Forth?

What I especially like is some of the questions Lewis raises around the periphery of the incident:
- what was the role played by the Jordanian UN troops - were the Rangers set up by their supposed allies?
- why did Martial seemingly take such a stupid risk as to drive out to 'visit' WSB territory?
- having done so why did he keep his convoy in such a close formation that it was easily captured?
- which leads inevitably to the question - were the Rangers sacrificial lambs? Was the whole thing a set-up by British Army command to give us an excuse to go in and administer a severe kicking to Kallay and his thugs?

We'll never know, and speculation can be odious - but these are the hints of conspiracy that would make this a great movie. Ioan Gruffudd as Major Martial and Robert Carlyle as SAS trooper Jimmy? Bring it on!

Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

magnificent, 06 Nov 2008
A wonderful history of a sadly overlooked part of English/Scottish history.

Fascinating, gripping, bloody and violent - a truly fabulous account of the Reivers and their culture.

GMF writes in a great style which keeps you gripped and entertained from the first page to the last.

This book is perfect for anyone with the slightest interest is English/Scottish history - but to be honest, it's such a cracking read I can't think of anyone who wouldnt enjoy it.



Wild Borders Cowboys, 14 May 2007
If you have read any of George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman books, you'll know that he can spin a brilliant yarn. That magic touch is more than apparent here. The Steel Bonnets reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, revealing the border lands between England and Scotland in the sixteenth century as a British Wild West, but the facts and analysis come thick and fast and never cease to fascinate. Just brilliant.

gripping, 01 Jun 2004
I'm biased about this book because I'm from the borders and the Graham family, which I belong to, were one of the families most involved in the dirty deals and goings on in the area. This book shows what life was like on the borders between England and Scotland, and informs us that blackmail and greenmail and bereave were words that sprang out of the slaughter and disorder. The wrongdoers can also be seen as victims, driven to desperation through the constant warring of the rival kingdoms and stuck in the middle. Yhe trouble is that the theiving and deception that the locals resorted to in times of war became a habit that was difficult to break.

Nutters, 19 Feb 2004
Man! what a book! They're all stark raving bonkers. Being an englishman you hear these strange tales of the borders, about Scottish thugs stealing, looting, killing, and a-raping the poor, humble, and hard working English (while being incredibly drunk). Well that's the stereotype and... to an extent, according to this book it's true! But what this book also adds is the total and utter ambiguity of both sides of the border. It is like someone has stuck a huge great mirror on the border. So much for the wee oppressed english peasants and so much for country loyalties. This gives a more realistic view beyond the english ideals of the south and the romanticsm of the Border Ballads, (and shows what a bunch of nutters the Borderers where). This book is fascinating and it is easily accessible. The language flows and doesn't get bogged down in academic twaddle. It sifts through all the difficult points and re-inforces that life is not black and white. Well I think so anyway. It's a good interesting book

RIVETING, 14 Nov 2000
The author vividly describes these very violent times in a way which leaves the reader wanting more. Before or after reading the book you are strongly advised to visit the Borders and savour the atmosphere . I suggest you chose a time when the weather is not too kind and the book will 'come to life'. I think that a TV Company could make a riveting documentary based on The Steel Bonnets.

The best analysis of the civil war, 30 Aug 2008
Robert Fisk's important book on the history of the civil war in Lebanon, up to the recent past, provides one of the most authoritative sources on the country's recent history, the tragedies that have taken place there, and the political background that has created such internal strife. Having recently visited Lebanon and the south of the country, Pity the Nation allowed me to have some insight into the complex social issues the people face.

Fisk's biggest achievement with this account, however, is that he manages to describe the situation on the ground for ordinary people and viscerally depicts the terror of living under constant fear or war, invasion, death, destruction, terrorism and lack of hope. Important reading for understanding many of the issues in the Middle Easy today including the policies of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, PLO and the USA and their complex relationships in this divided nation.

"Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.", 08 Oct 2007
This book provides an exceptional depiction of the tragedies that Lebanon underwent during the last quarter of the 20th century,

The bulk of the book focuses on the events that took place during the civil war between 1975 and 1990, hence, it covered the Syrian intervention in 1976, the Israeli invasions in both 1978 and 1982, and the involvement of the multinational forces (USA, Britain and Italy) in the aftermath of the 1982 invasion, which triggered an escalation in civil war. Although not covered in much details, Robert Fisk provides brief snaps taken from the major events that led the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, such as the Jewish Holocaust and the ethnics cleansing of Palestine. In addition, there are small sections that covered briefly events related to the Lebanese history during the 1860s (Christians and Druze civil war) and 1950s (USA's first involvement).

Despite some accusations against Mr Fisk of being biased in his reporting, I felt that the author has presented a valuable piece of work that successfully captured the ugliness of the war, and exposed the wrong doings of all involved from Palestinians to Israelis, Muslims and Christians, Syrians and the USA. There is a whole chapter that was dedicated to the role of the media in this conflict and other similar conflicts around the world, as well as the hypocrisy and double standards of reporting that was and continue to brain wash the masses to achieve some cynical goals.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who has an interest in the Lebanese history or the recent developments in the Middle East. It is a little grim and harsh at times, but so has been the fate of this region of the world for as far as I can remember.


The Horrors of the Nation, 14 Apr 2007
Robert Fisk's extensive account of the Lebanese civil war is an amazing mosaic of events and stories that in its entirety paint a pretty good picture of the horrors that took place from 1976 to 1996. Mr Fisk has an almost unparalleled ability to be on the spot as events are either unfolding or have just happened.

Pity the Nation is the story of a journalist working in pretty dire conditions and a first account witness statement to the atrocities of civil war, Israeli invasion, more Israeli invasion and involvement by Syria, France, USA, Italy and many other countries that have somehow seemed to get involved in the destiny of Lebanon.

Fisk, along with Norwegian journalist Karsten Tveit, were the first to enter Sabra and Shatila after the massacre and recounts in graphic detail the sheer horror of the systematic extermination by the Christian Lebanese Forces and under the watchful eye of the occupying Israeli Defence Force. Fisk also found himself passing through Hama in Syria in 1982 when President Assad's forces killed between 10,000 and 25.000 civilians in an attempt to oust Muslim Brotherhood influence on Syrian politics. Lastly, he worked with Terry Andersson who was later to be kidnapped and held hostage for over 5 years. It is these stories, along with many more, that combine to give a full and fairly clear picture of war and politics in the Levant over a 20 year period.

Unfortunately the book does not work as a historical account and there are a number of omissions in the book that would need to be included for it to work. More attention would need to be given to the bombing of the US Embassy (such as motive and speculation / evidence as to who was involved), the kidnappings would need to be elaborated and especially the kidnapping of Terry Waite, which I think is dealt with very superficially. Fisk never pretends that Pity the Nation is a historical description of war in Lebanon.

Fisk is a brave man (you would have to be to have lived in Lebanon through the war) and has made himself controversial by writing the book. There is a multitude of very critical reviews by people who in one way or another find it difficult to deal with the very gory and almost unbelievable facts of the conflict. I, for one, believe Fisk's account to be reasonably truthful and precise, as he does not seem to be pushing any one sided agenda. But judge for yourself and be prepared for some stomach churning stuff . Anyone who went through what he did and was prepared to put it on paper afterwards deserves much more than a 5 Star Rating on Amazon!

Spellbinding!, 20 Mar 2007
A remarkable book. An account of one man's experiences rather than a conventional history.

The title uses Khalil Gibran's phrase 'Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion'. This seems so apposite - and could be applied to many countries other than The Lebanon.

I was fortunate enough to visit the country at Christmas 2005 - in a brief period of relative peace before the latest orgy of destruction. What amazes is the repetitive nature of events - does nobody ever learn? The only senior politician who seems to have tried to honestly break the vicious cycle of destruction and hatred (Yitzhak Rabin), was murdered by one of his own countrymen.

It amazes that Robert Fisk can write with such elegance and lucidity about such complex and horrific events. Despite its length, this book is very easy to read and totally gripping. Recommended!

Powerful, essential to understanding modern Lebanon, 15 Dec 2006
Probably one of the most powerful books I have ever read, Fisk gets to the heart of Lebanon and all of its diversity.

I found this book intellectually satisfying in that at its conclusion I felt I finally had a grasp of how the country's complex political arrangements actually work. This has really helped to provide some context to the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon and the region. The book also made an impact on an emotional level as I felt a real pang of terror during the recent Hezbollah-Israeli conflict, as if someone I know personally were being violated. A powerful book, indeed.

Fisk writes from and about Lebanon from the point of view of a transplanted native. This is what gives his writing its passion, but also its shall we say "non-mainstream" perspective. One assumes the average reader is intelligent enough to take this into account in developing one's own views on the many conflicts the book describes.

This is one of two books most often recommended as introductions to the study of Lebanon and especially its relationship with Israel, the other being Thomas Friedman's "From Beirut to Jerusalem". Friedman's book is the more readable for a general audience; Fisk's intense work is for those who really want to delve deeply into the subject.

A brilliant read., 19 Jun 2008
I'm currently reading Damien Lewis's book 'Bloody Heroes' and this is the book that influenced me to get 'Bloody Heroes'. The writing by Damien lewis is utterly compelling and audastic, he captures the sheer horror of being captured and held hostage to the adreniline fueled assault on the rebels base by a SAS/SBS force. Recommend this book and I also reccomend 'Bloody Heroes' By the same author.

Well crafted writing. Enjoyed it., 17 May 2008
The way in which OCD is written, to my mind, is a cross between Terence Strong at his best for the thriller aspect, and Michael Herr (Dispatches) for his ability to move in close to the guys and then zoom out again to paint the broader geopolitical picture.
Its obvious Damien has had face to face meetings with the lads, and seen a bit himself.
I don't have a problem with the attempt at breathing life into the characters; it would obviously have been proof-read by the lads mentioned before printing, and D. wouldn't have wanted to burn that particular bridge by upsetting them with BS. After all, the activities of special forces is where the market is. And yes, there is a BFG (read Cameron Spence's Iraq book to meet him.)

The story needed to be told, but it's the manner in which it's been told that can grate..., 06 May 2008
The book is a solid read, and on a subject which needed telling, but I do wish Lewis had merely 'reported' the exchanges between the troopers on the ground and not tried to re-enact/reconstruct them, almost verbatim (and annoyingly in the vernacular).

Like others I was tempted to skip whole passages whilst Kiwi (who had the cadences here of a South African and not a New Zealander), 'Jimmy the Cockney' and the Big Scottish Monster were bantering-off each other.

Only a minor gripe, but I feel that, in the initial stages of the book, more coverage of the reasons leading to Britain's involvement in Sierra Leone (i.e. Op Palliser being green-lit) could have been accorded the reader - in total contrast to the Analysis section of the book, which is spectacularly well researched, lucid and devastating in its damning indictment of the UN's hopelessly outmoded, inefficient and ultimately completely ineffective deployment, structure and mandating.

The section on the (it is to be hoped for) considered future use of Private Military Companies (PMCs) is sense incarnate: as the UN can no longer sit idly-by and watch (Angola, Rwanda et al) millions of innocents be slaughtered whilst merely wringing its hands whilst intoning "how disappointed we are..." whilst rebel and other bandit groups in Africa (and elsewhere) have unbridled free rein to butcher at will.

There's an old Regiment saying that they play by Big Boys' Rules: and the content of this book leaves you in no doubt that they they are deadly serious in that sentiment.

In complete contrast to the US Rangers and Delta Force débâcle in Mogadishu, even when not fighting in ideal conditions, the books is a textbook example of how a mission can succeed, and Lewis is to be congratulated on his ability to report obvious first-hand accounts of some of the men on the ground.



Not good, 27 Dec 2007
Whilst the story is gripping and no doubt well researched, by the author's admission some of the details especially surrounding the special forces is entirely fictional. As mentioned by another reviewer, the conversations between troopers is downright dire. I can only assume this is where the author ran out of imaginative dialogue to put down on paper. To cap it all off towards the end of the book the author switches from past tense to present tense. Why on earth this is done i have no idea as it completely breaks the narrative flow and adds nothing to the story. It would have been a lot better to stick to the known facts than to start imagining godawful dialogue to put into the story.

When's the film coming out?, 06 Sep 2007
I agree with most of what has been said by previous reviewers. Yes the depiction of some the dialogue is annoying, and yes Lewis does better when he sticks to writing about the operation itself, the build-up and the aftermath. But overall this is a terrific book, and the title - isn't that nabbed from Blackadder Goes Forth?

What I especially like is some of the questions Lewis raises around the periphery of the incident:
- what was the role played by the Jordanian UN troops - were the Rangers set up by their supposed allies?
- why did Martial seemingly take such a stupid risk as to drive out to 'visit' WSB territory?
- having done so why did he keep his convoy in such a close formation that it was easily captured?
- which leads inevitably to the question - were the Rangers sacrificial lambs? Was the whole thing a set-up by British Army command to give us an excuse to go in and administer a severe kicking to Kallay and his thugs?

We'll never know, and speculation can be odious - but these are the hints of conspiracy that would make this a great movie. Ioan Gruffudd as Major Martial and Robert Carlyle as SAS trooper Jimmy? Bring it on!

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

magnificent, 06 Nov 2008
A wonderful history of a sadly overlooked part of English/Scottish history.

Fascinating, gripping, bloody and violent - a truly fabulous account of the Reivers and their culture.

GMF writes in a great style which keeps you gripped and entertained from the first page to the last.

This book is perfect for anyone with the slightest interest is English/Scottish history - but to be honest, it's such a cracking read I can't think of anyone who wouldnt enjoy it.



Wild Borders Cowboys, 14 May 2007
If you have read any of George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman books, you'll know that he can spin a brilliant yarn. That magic touch is more than apparent here. The Steel Bonnets reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, revealing the border lands between England and Scotland in the sixteenth century as a British Wild West, but the facts and analysis come thick and fast and never cease to fascinate. Just brilliant.

gripping, 01 Jun 2004
I'm biased about this book because I'm from the borders and the Graham family, which I belong to, were one of the families most involved in the dirty deals and goings on in the area. This book shows what life was like on the borders between England and Scotland, and informs us that blackmail and greenmail and bereave were words that sprang out of the slaughter and disorder. The wrongdoers can also be seen as victims, driven to desperation through the constant warring of the rival kingdoms and stuck in the middle. Yhe trouble is that the theiving and deception that the locals resorted to in times of war became a habit that was difficult to break.

Nutters, 19 Feb 2004
Man! what a book! They're all stark raving bonkers. Being an englishman you hear these strange tales of the borders, about Scottish thugs stealing, looting, killing, and a-raping the poor, humble, and hard working English (while being incredibly drunk). Well that's the stereotype and... to an extent, according to this book it's true! But what this book also adds is the total and utter ambiguity of both sides of the border. It is like someone has stuck a huge great mirror on the border. So much for the wee oppressed english peasants and so much for country loyalties. This gives a more realistic view beyond the english ideals of the south and the romanticsm of the Border Ballads, (and shows what a bunch of nutters the Borderers where). This book is fascinating and it is easily accessible. The language flows and doesn't get bogged down in academic twaddle. It sifts through all the difficult points and re-inforces that life is not black and white. Well I think so anyway. It's a good interesting book

RIVETING, 14 Nov 2000
The author vividly describes these very violent times in a way which leaves the reader wanting more. Before or after reading the book you are strongly advised to visit the Borders and savour the atmosphere . I suggest you chose a time when the weather is not too kind and the book will 'come to life'. I think that a TV Company could make a riveting documentary based on The Steel Bonnets.

The best analysis of the civil war, 30 Aug 2008
Robert Fisk's important book on the history of the civil war in Lebanon, up to the recent past, provides one of the most authoritative sources on the country's recent history, the tragedies that have taken place there, and the political background that has created such internal strife. Having recently visited Lebanon and the south of the country, Pity the Nation allowed me to have some insight into the complex social issues the people face.

Fisk's biggest achievement with this account, however, is that he manages to describe the situation on the ground for ordinary people and viscerally depicts the terror of living under constant fear or war, invasion, death, destruction, terrorism and lack of hope. Important reading for understanding many of the issues in the Middle Easy today including the policies of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, PLO and the USA and their complex relationships in this divided nation.

"Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.", 08 Oct 2007
This book provides an exceptional depiction of the tragedies that Lebanon underwent during the last quarter of the 20th century,

The bulk of the book focuses on the events that took place during the civil war between 1975 and 1990, hence, it covered the Syrian intervention in 1976, the Israeli invasions in both 1978 and 1982, and the involvement of the multinational forces (USA, Britain and Italy) in the aftermath of the 1982 invasion, which triggered an escalation in civil war. Although not covered in much details, Robert Fisk provides brief snaps taken from the major events that led the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, such as the Jewish Holocaust and the ethnics cleansing of Palestine. In addition, there are small sections that covered briefly events related to the Lebanese history during the 1860s (Christians and Druze civil war) and 1950s (USA's first involvement).

Despite some accusations against Mr Fisk of being biased in his reporting, I felt that the author has presented a valuable piece of work that successfully captured the ugliness of the war, and exposed the wrong doings of all involved from Palestinians to Israelis, Muslims and Christians, Syrians and the USA. There is a whole chapter that was dedicated to the role of the media in this conflict and other similar conflicts around the world, as well as the hypocrisy and double standards of reporting that was and continue to brain wash the masses to achieve some cynical goals.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who has an interest in the Lebanese history or the recent developments in the Middle East. It is a little grim and harsh at times, but so has been the fate of this region of the world for as far as I can remember.


The Horrors of the Nation, 14 Apr 2007
Robert Fisk's extensive account of the Lebanese civil war is an amazing mosaic of events and stories that in its entirety paint a pretty good picture of the horrors that took place from 1976 to 1996. Mr Fisk has an almost unparalleled ability to be on the spot as events are either unfolding or have just happened.

Pity the Nation is the story of a journalist working in pretty dire conditions and a first account witness statement to the atrocities of civil war, Israeli invasion, more Israeli invasion and involvement by Syria, France, USA, Italy and many other countries that have somehow seemed to get involved in the destiny of Lebanon.

Fisk, along with Norwegian journalist Karsten Tveit, were the first to enter Sabra and Shatila after the massacre and recounts in graphic detail the sheer horror of the systematic extermination by the Christian Lebanese Forces and under the watchful eye of the occupying Israeli Defence Force. Fisk also found himself passing through Hama in Syria in 1982 when President Assad's forces killed between 10,000 and 25.000 civilians in an attempt to oust Muslim Brotherhood influence on Syrian politics. Lastly, he worked with Terry Andersson who was later to be kidnapped and held hostage for over 5 years. It is these stories, along with many more, that combine to give a full and fairly clear picture of war and politics in the Levant over a 20 year period.

Unfortunately the book does not work as a historical account and there are a number of omissions in the book that would need to be included for it to work. More attention would need to be given to the bombing of the US Embassy (such as motive and speculation / evidence as to who was involved), the kidnappings would need to be elaborated and especially the kidnapping of Terry Waite, which I think is dealt with very superficially. Fisk never pretends that Pity the Nation is a historical description of war in Lebanon.

Fisk is a brave man (you would have to be to have lived in Lebanon through the war) and has made himself controversial by writing the book. There is a multitude of very critical reviews by people who in one way or another find it difficult to deal with the very gory and almost unbelievable facts of the conflict. I, for one, believe Fisk's account to be reasonably truthful and precise, as he does not seem to be pushing any one sided agenda. But judge for yourself and be prepared for some stomach churning stuff . Anyone who went through what he did and was prepared to put it on paper afterwards deserves much more than a 5 Star Rating on Amazon!

Spellbinding!, 20 Mar 2007
A remarkable book. An account of one man's experiences rather than a conventional history.

The title uses Khalil Gibran's phrase 'Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion'. This seems so apposite - and could be applied to many countries other than The Lebanon.

I was fortunate enough to visit the country at Christmas 2005 - in a brief period of relative peace before the latest orgy of destruction. What amazes is the repetitive nature of events - does nobody ever learn? The only senior politician who seems to have tried to honestly break the vicious cycle of destruction and hatred (Yitzhak Rabin), was murdered by one of his own countrymen.

It amazes that Robert Fisk can write with such elegance and lucidity about such complex and horrific events. Despite its length, this book is very easy to read and totally gripping. Recommended!

Powerful, essential to understanding modern Lebanon, 15 Dec 2006
Probably one of the most powerful books I have ever read, Fisk gets to the heart of Lebanon and all of its diversity.

I found this book intellectually satisfying in that at its conclusion I felt I finally had a grasp of how the country's complex political arrangements actually work. This has really helped to provide some context to the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon and the region. The book also made an impact on an emotional level as I felt a real pang of terror during the recent Hezbollah-Israeli conflict, as if someone I know personally were being violated. A powerful book, indeed.

Fisk writes from and about Lebanon from the point of view of a transplanted native. This is what gives his writing its passion, but also its shall we say "non-mainstream" perspective. One assumes the average reader is intelligent enough to take this into account in developing one's own views on the many conflicts the book describes.

This is one of two books most often recommended as introductions to the study of Lebanon and especially its relationship with Israel, the other being Thomas Friedman's "From Beirut to Jerusalem". Friedman's book is the more readable for a general audience; Fisk's intense work is for those who really want to delve deeply into the subject.

A brilliant read., 19 Jun 2008
I'm currently reading Damien Lewis's book 'Bloody Heroes' and this is the book that influenced me to get 'Bloody Heroes'. The writing by Damien lewis is utterly compelling and audastic, he captures the sheer horror of being captured and held hostage to the adreniline fueled assault on the rebels base by a SAS/SBS force. Recommend this book and I also reccomend 'Bloody Heroes' By the same author.

Well crafted writing. Enjoyed it., 17 May 2008
The way in which OCD is written, to my mind, is a cross between Terence Strong at his best for the thriller aspect, and Michael Herr (Dispatches) for his ability to move in close to the guys and then zoom out again to paint the broader geopolitical picture.
Its obvious Damien has had face to face meetings with the lads, and seen a bit himself.
I don't have a problem with the attempt at breathing life into the characters; it would obviously have been proof-read by the lads mentioned before printing, and D. wouldn't have wanted to burn that particular bridge by upsetting them with BS. After all, the activities of special forces is where the market is. And yes, there is a BFG (read Cameron Spence's Iraq book to meet him.)

The story needed to be told, but it's the manner in which it's been told that can grate..., 06 May 2008
The book is a solid read, and on a subject which needed telling, but I do wish Lewis had merely 'reported' the exchanges between the troopers on the ground and not tried to re-enact/reconstruct them, almost verbatim (and annoyingly in the vernacular).

Like others I was tempted to skip whole passages whilst Kiwi (who had the cadences here of a South African and not a New Zealander), 'Jimmy the Cockney' and the Big Scottish Monster were bantering-off each other.

Only a minor gripe, but I feel that, in the initial stages of the book, more coverage of the reasons leading to Britain's involvement in Sierra Leone (i.e. Op Palliser being green-lit) could have been accorded the reader - in total contrast to the Analysis section of the book, which is spectacularly well researched, lucid and devastating in its damning indictment of the UN's hopelessly outmoded, inefficient and ultimately completely ineffective deployment, structure and mandating.

The section on the (it is to be hoped for) considered future use of Private Military Companies (PMCs) is sense incarnate: as the UN can no longer sit idly-by and watch (Angola, Rwanda et al) millions of innocents be slaughtered whilst merely wringing its hands whilst intoning "how disappointed we are..." whilst rebel and other bandit groups in Africa (and elsewhere) have unbridled free rein to butcher at will.

There's an old Regiment saying that they play by Big Boys' Rules: and the content of this book leaves you in no doubt that they they are deadly serious in that sentiment.

In complete contrast to the US Rangers and Delta Force débâcle in Mogadishu, even when not fighting in ideal conditions, the books is a textbook example of how a mission can succeed, and Lewis is to be congratulated on his ability to report obvious first-hand accounts of some of the men on the ground.



Not good, 27 Dec 2007
Whilst the story is gripping and no doubt well researched, by the author's admission some of the details especially surrounding the special forces is entirely fictional. As mentioned by another reviewer, the conversations between troopers is downright dire. I can only assume this is where the author ran out of imaginative dialogue to put down on paper. To cap it all off towards the end of the book the author switches from past tense to present tense. Why on earth this is done i have no idea as it completely breaks the narrative flow and adds nothing to the story. It would have been a lot better to stick to the known facts than to start imagining godawful dialogue to put into the story.

When's the film coming out?, 06 Sep 2007
I agree with most of what has been said by previous reviewers. Yes the depiction of some the dialogue is annoying, and yes Lewis does better when he sticks to writing about the operation itself, the build-up and the aftermath. But overall this is a terrific book, and the title - isn't that nabbed from Blackadder Goes Forth?

What I especially like is some of the questions Lewis raises around the periphery of the incident:
- what was the role played by the Jordanian UN troops - were the Rangers set up by their supposed allies?
- why did Martial seemingly take such a stupid risk as to drive out to 'visit' WSB territory?
- having done so why did he keep his convoy in such a close formation that it was easily captured?
- which leads inevitably to the question - were the Rangers sacrificial lambs? Was the whole thing a set-up by British Army command to give us an excuse to go in and administer a severe kicking to Kallay and his thugs?

We'll never know, and speculation can be odious - but these are the hints of conspiracy that would make this a great movie. Ioan Gruffudd as Major Martial and Robert Carlyle as SAS trooper Jimmy? Bring it on!

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Shocking, but I know its True, 15 Jan 2008
This book, was, I think, a very brave book to write as I don't know of anybody who has wrote this side of the story before. The author was an extremely violent person, but maybe because of his violent reception at his first commando unit. I personally would have left the military at that point, but this guy seemed to learn and draw from it. It looked to me like he was never going to let that happen again. Undoubtedly he was bullied in the beginning and then later became a man of few words and a person who didn't tollerate fools easily!! However, at times I'm sure he was somewhat out of control. He did seem to get violent after drinking huge amounts of beer. Bloomin heck, I can hardly stand up after a few beers never mind stand ready to do conflict with someone like some sort of fighting machine. However, that said, if I put myself in his shoes, I think I can understand it better. This was a shocking story and it does state this on the front of the book. I think it could have been written better, but all in all, a full on version of an account from someone who joined the marines and became one crazy unforgiving person.

I guess "full on" books like this only come along every once in a while, and are undoubtedly not for the feint hearted!

Chopra

Around the pubs in 80 brawls, 15 Jan 2008
Not a good book at all. I lost any respect for the author early on in the book as he seemed a bully who gets drunk and headbutts at least one person in every chapter. The book shares similar characteristics with the ones written by football hooligans or Hells Angels who have their 'own' corners in pubs and think everyone respects and admires them , when in fact, everyone sees them as losers. It was ironic that the author continually mentions 'controlled aggression' and 'discipline' yet has a few pints and can't keep out of trouble. The descriptions in the book are rudimentary 'He was from Liverpool so we called him Scouse' and the chapters repetitive. I'm sorry but an idiot in a green beret is still an idiot and probably more so as they should know better.

Warts 'N' All - Book, 18 Jul 2007
I enjoyed reading this. It brought back some humerous memories. It is a wart's 'n' all story, but that's how it needed to be told.

I knew the author, albeit a long time ago now. He did what he wrote and undoubtedly a hell of a lot more. There were many others, of similar character around that era, but this guy definately had a hell of a story to tell. He is also the one who had the ability and the balls to put it into writing.

Looking back, all these years on. It was work hard, train hard and play hard. He He. The start of the book states that things are very different today. That's good to know because back in the 80's we were a little wild at times!!!!!!!!!!!

MDM

Inconsistent , 13 Jul 2007
I picked this up while waiting for a plane a few months back.Some of the stories are quite funny but most of the content is exactly that, fictional stories. Nothing really adds up due to the time scales involved, anyone who served in the corps will agree that this book has been padded out with other peoples experiences.If you want a collection of some of the events that no doubt happened during this time period in the Royal Marines then this book may prove interesting,however there is no way this all happened to one person.

Good for laughs, 02 Apr 2007
This is the worst book I have ever read. The content is vile, the style is... words fail me. It's not stylish.
The author cannot be trusted - the book is riddled with inconsistencies, evasions and outright lies. One incident that he describes as occurring circa 1983 seemed oddly familiar to me - because I'd read it as an after-dinner story in a book published circa 1965.
Nonetheless, for truly delightful misuse of the English language this book cannot be beaten. e.g. "After three months in Norway I was in need of a woman, so I LITERALLY took the bull by the horns." Preece's powers of description would shame a six year old. He describes a 'good friend': "Zac was a Geordie and had a centre parting." That's all you ever find out about him.
It's awful. The most plausible explanation I can find for it's ever seeing the light of day is that it is written by some publisher in an all-out attempt to make the Marines look bad. I've got a few mates in the Corps - I'd sue for libel if I was them.

Violette Szabo - a welcome new biography, 01 Nov 2003
Having been brought up on a diet of "Victory at Sea", "The World at War" and no end of stories and documentaries about it, I grew up in the 1960s and 1970 thinking that the war had rather been rammed down my throat. However, when I read "Carve her name with Pride", the story of Violette affected me like no other. I could barely think about it without a lump in my throat for a long while afterwards and for me this was *the* story about WWII.

Susan Ottoway's welcome new biography attempts to provide us new insights into this very courageous woman, it also dispels a few myths that have grown up. Though I was pleased to see that one of the most surprising tributes to her courage really happened.

During her fateful second mission, she and a male companion were stopped by an SS Panzer division roadblock. A gunfight ensued and for 20 minutues Violette held off hardened Panzer division troops until exhaustion and a lack of ammunition forced her capture, her male companion was given the opportunity to escape. After her capture, the German officer in charge saluted her and called her the bravest woman he had ever seen.

The latter part of the book does not make easy reading and Susan Ottoway's book left me with the suspicion that Violette set out on that second mission knowing or even certain that she would not be returning.

Well worth reading.

Speculation, 30 Mar 2003
Despite the claims of extensive research, much of the detail given remains in the realm of speculation. A lot begins with "I think" or "It appears" but then goes on in such detail you tend to forget that it is just specualtion.

But it is a very worthwhile subject and anything that raises the profile of Violette and the other women of SOE is welcome.

Light account, 31 Aug 2002
Ottaway gives a fresh light account of the brave heroine Violette Szabo. I was greatly impressed by the awe in which ottaway holds the heroine, and this feeling makes the biography an easy read. It is also a nice touch that there is now a friendship between the author and Tanya the daughter. There is no bitterness here, the book was written with warm kinship that it is hard not to feel pride and sadness for Violette. For more deepend exploits I recommend "A quiet courage" by Liane Jones which examines less famous female SOE missions, and manages to shock. Ottaway does not manage this, but nonetheless this is a secure biography that does make the reader think of the courage and determination of the enigmatic women of SOE.

An interesting and moving account of szabo's life, 23 Jul 2002
The author of the book Susan Ottaway does a fine job in trying to dispel the myths surrounding Szabo's life. Ottaway even suggests that the famous peom The life That I have was not written for or used by Szabo, but in fact it was written for the film Carve Her Name with pride produced in 1958. I have found this book extremely interesting on the whole as gives an insight into Violette's early life and her marriage to a member of the French Foreign Legion. Szabo's capture, life and execution in the infamous Ravensbruck camp is extremely moving as you realise what these people and many others had to endure during the war. I urge everyone to read this book as the memory of those brave people needs to live on.

magnificent, 06 Nov 2008
A wonderful history of a sadly overlooked part of English/Scottish history.

Fascinating, gripping, bloody and violent - a truly fabulous account of the Reivers and their culture.

GMF writes in a great style which keeps you gripped and entertained from the first page to the last.

This book is perfect for anyone with the slightest interest is English/Scottish history - but to be honest, it's such a cracking read I can't think of anyone who wouldnt enjoy it.



Wild Borders Cowboys, 14 May 2007
If you have read any of George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman books, you'll know that he can spin a brilliant yarn. That magic touch is more than apparent here. The Steel Bonnets reads like a fast-paced adventure novel, revealing the border lands between England and Scotland in the sixteenth century as a British Wild West, but the facts and analysis come thick and fast and never cease to fascinate. Just brilliant.

gripping, 01 Jun 2004
I'm biased about this book because I'm from the borders and the Graham family, which I belong to, were one of the families most involved in the dirty deals and goings on in the area. This book shows what life was like on the borders between England and Scotland, and informs us that blackmail and greenmail and bereave were words that sprang out of the slaughter and disorder. The wrongdoers can also be seen as victims, driven to desperation through the constant warring of the rival kingdoms and stuck in the middle. Yhe trouble is that the theiving and deception that the locals resorted to in times of war became a habit that was difficult to break.

Nutters, 19 Feb 2004
Man! what a book! They're all stark raving bonkers. Being an englishman you hear these strange tales of the borders, about Scottish thugs stealing, looting, killing, and a-raping the poor, humble, and hard working English (while being incredibly drunk). Well that's the stereotype and... to an extent, accor