10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book to make you think., December 8, 2004
Sir Ranulph Twisleton Wickham Fiennes BT, OBE (and holder of the Polar Medal with Bar!) is undoubtedly the greatest living British explorer. He also served as an officer with the Special Air Service Regiment in the early seventies at a time when I was attached to that Regiment as a corporal in the Pay Office. We met briefly then and again in the late eighties when I was involved with Operation Raleigh. Though "Ran" - as he introduced himself on the latter occasion, has no reason to recall either meeting, I will always remember this man as someone with great presence who has come to symbolise great things and great achievements. In many ways he is the most British of men.
In his book "The Feather Men," the reader is left wondering whether or not it is a work of fact or fiction. It is an enthralling and exciting read and I am surprised it has not yet been made into a film.
Throughout the world there are certain "standards." For example, people might refer to a specific make of car, as that country's equivalent of a Rolls Royce. This is because Rolls Royce has become the standard for excellence in the making of cars. Similarly, when describing the world's Special Forces, they often refer to certain elite organisations as that country's equivalent of the SAS.
I had the privilege of serving with the SAS over 30 years ago but was never SAS trained. Ran Fiennes was and, therefore, knows what he is talking about. That is why you will be left wondering.
Altogether and excellent book.
NM
British Army Major (retired).
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thrilling & True, December 13, 1999
This is a marvellous account of derring-do, very skilfully related. I was living in Oman, the setting of most of the story, whilst reading the book. Discrete checks of many of the facts and visits to Christian cemetries in Muscat where some of the characters lie convinced me that the story is in fact true despite its incredible tortuosity. Unputdownable, and also disturbing.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One that you will want to read, reread, reread etc.., November 19, 1999
By A Customer
There are very few books that I have read and some time later wanted to buy it and read again. This book has made me think more about what it is telling me than any other book. I must get it again. I have lent the book out and have never seen it again. I must get it !
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