Customer Reviews

Shoot to Kill: Journey Through Violence

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This extremely well written book recounts the first hand experiences of Michael Asher throughout his time in the British Parachute Regiment, the Special Air Service and the Special Patrol Group in Northern Ireland. The book proceeds at a brisk pace throughout but is replete with enormous detail.

The brutally honest text grips the reader into a sense of "almost being there". Having completed a regular engagement in the British forces during the same period as that illustrated here, I can confirm the accuracy of many of the matters described, including some of the "less savoury" elements which may upset some readers.

The reader does not have to agree with the views expressed throughout this book, but needs to understand the realities on the ground which are so commendably portrayed and which form the basis of this work. Not least of these are the realism and humanity of the raw recruits undergoing such harsh physical & military training as well as the raw honesty of the writer.

The stress and pain endured throughout the many stages of specialist training are almost tangible and the reader can but grimace at times along with the author as he relates pivotal periods of his experience where the reality and atmosphere of occasional brutality & intimidation together with periods of humiliation are so vividly evoked.

The book is not one to be "enjoyed" as there is little here to lead the reader in that direction. This is a soldier writing about soldiers' experiences and some of the content might be considered "distasteful" to many readers who are not familiar with military life. Be warned.

The fear and frustration during patrols in Northern Ireland during the "Troubles" are among other realities really brought home to the reader, where every street corner, window, alleyway or shadow might hide a gunman. (The politics of the situation in Northern Ireland are largely avoided apart from reference to the occasional quote from those involved in a number of incidents.) Situations now being experienced by the military in numerous locations Worldwide.

All in all this is a thoroughly readable and informative study which reveals aspects of the British military and the "soldier on the ground" which might otherwise be largely overlooked. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in military history and experience. Thank you.

This is an interesting and at times uncomfortable book. Michael Asher takes us from his joining of the British Paratroop Regiment (and service in Northern Ireland) through service with the SAS and the Police Special Patrol Group, again based in Northern Ireland.

Starting off as a typical story of the tough training recruits go though in one of the British Army's toughest regiments, once the author reaches Belfast, things turn uncomfortable for him and for the reader. Now we see the conflict through the eyes of violent men who wear military uniform, some of whom undertake criminal or violent acts in an environment where that is the norm for both sides. Asher stays on the edge of this but is obviously uncomfortable with it, but a reader will never view the Paras with the same eyes again. One can only hope there has been some serious cleaning up since Asher's service.

Asher, at that time of his life, comes over as drifting and searching for his place in life, while wanting 'the great adventure' - his tale is honest and objective but this is not comfortable reading.

It ends abruptly as if he wanted to tell the tale of his service and nothing else, we know he was studying while with the SAS but he neglects to tell us the outcome and how that influenced him.

For a glimpse into the British Army of the 70's, and the true horror of Northern Ireland at that time, this is well worth picking up.