Customer Reviews

Legionnaire: An Englishman in the French Foreign Legion

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the best books I have ever read on what it means to be a soldier - not someone wearing a uniform and doing a job for a paycheck but a real soldier.

Being intelligent and tough are two good things and Simon Murray is both. When you read of this man's character, formed in his early twenties, you have little doubt of the leadership ability which led to business success.

Simon Murray is a man of action.

Very well written. Very readable. 1. It should be back in print. 2. Simon Murray should write a business book!

This book puts "Beau Geste" to shame, becuase of his straightforward matter of fact style you do not realize what a great story it is and how remarkable Murray is until about 2/3 of the way through. Murray actually describes the beginning of the transformation of the legion from the old brutal force to the slightly less brutal modern rapid deployment force that spearheads today's French Army. His grunts view of the Algerian general's attempted coup against DeGaulle is all too brief.
I have read elsewhere that after this book came out in the early 1980's British enlistment in the Legion went way up. English Legionnaires were referred to as SMS's, Simon Murray specials. Thats the best endorsement I can think of.

This is the compelling account of a young man who enlisted in the Foreign Legion. His trials and adventures take place in Algeria in the early 60s when France was reluctantly and painfully loosening its grip on this hot spot. The book is actually a diary which the author faithfully maintained over his five grueling years in the Legion. His account is captivating--a first rate novelist would be hard pressed to produce a story with as much force, sensitivity and depth of characterization. I don't know if the author has written other works. If he hasn't, I hope he takes up the pen again when he retires from his successful career in business.

Simon Murray's autobiography of his first adult years spent in the wartorn country of Algeria in the sixties, is filled with an amazing understanding of the complexity of issues that surrounds us all in everyday life.

For the ultimate book on the French Foreign Legion - which this is - it may sound borring, but believe me - its anything but. This is simply put the best book ever written on the subject of the French Foreign Legion.

Starting with the end of his teens Simon Murray joins the Legion in a quest for adventure. With a canny ability to describe everyday events, ones imagination otherwise hardly can percieve, the author gives a day-by-day account of his life in the legion.

From the treasured dull moments of barrack-life to the rutine patrol on the border to Marokko that suddenly turns sour. From basic training at age eigthteen to transferral for the deuxime REP where the lure of jump money means a difference to a new sergent. Its all in here and so are you.

This book takes advantage of the authority and impact a diary can have, and although this is not the diary of Anne Franks - which in context may be a poor comparison - the impact of this book it just to great to be ignored.

Where Anne Franks Diary sqeezes your heart and leaves you wondering what kind of human being your really are; Simon Murray hits you in the teeth and pulls the rug from under you and as the drillsergent tries to stomp your head in, you wish you had the same integrity and strength Simon Murray displayed throughout his years as a Legionaire and later at the Legions Sergent School.

This review is committed from memory as I read this book 18 years ago. I then made it the cornerstone of my bookcollection on The Legion. I have never read one better. Neither will you.

People who believe that the world owes them a living should be made to read this book; Simon Murray is an inspiration to all. He has shown that he has more fibre in his little toe than most people can only dream about.

He is correct in saying that there is little time for young men to climb mountains these days - and although I don't 'totter on the brink', this fine book has made me reasess my working ethic, my outlook and my endurance as a person.

Ultimately, the best book one could ever read.

If you are interested in finding out more about one of the most elite fighting forces in the world then read this. Simon Murray is INCREDIBLY modest which is one of the best factors in this book. Exceptionally hard yet incredibly modest.

READ IT!!!!!

Simon Murray conveys his complete mindset and bares open his soul. He doesn't hide the fact that he had a tough time and that he was afraid. Not only does this book make you want to join, but sends out a question. Are you really a man?

I have done research and in November 1999, located Simon's whereabouts. He is alive and kicking in the far east. He is now the executive chairman of Deutsche Morgan Bank in Asia Pacific. This bank is one of the largest in the world.

A wonderful read no matter how many times you go through it. Mr. Murray has painted a picture, in words, of his experience with the 'Legion Entrangere' that no hollywood studio could ever dream up. The poingnant moments and thrilling exploits of Simon Murray's experience are detailed here in a wonderful package and tied up with a touching and memorable epilogue that makes whole thing work. A charmed soul, Murray has provided us with an outstanding story and an intriguing look inside his experience of service. Indeed a book for the ages. Vive la Legion!

I first read this book as a schoolboy and I think I have read it at least twice more since. Simon Murray is the perfect tour guide to the Legion of the time he writes about. He writes with style, but not in an affected manner, he is humble regarding his own achievements, and he is sentimental at times, but never descends into soppiness. This book should be read not only by people who enjoy military yarns, but by anybody who appreciates a good book.

It is tragic that this wonderful book is not in print. Do yourself a favour and make a real attempt to find a copy.

Truly one of the best real life stories I've ever read. Not merely a historical account, but a diary that takes the reader into the harsh and proud life of a Legionnaire. Simon Murray takes you with him on the rigors of daily life in the Legion. Murray's candor and writing style will make you want to wear Le Kepi Blanc.

If you never read another book about the French Foreign Legion, be sure to read this one!