Customer Reviews

Wings Over Persia

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
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Lou Martin shares a rare view of living in a trouble land as a commercial aviator. Each chapter is a story in itself, while revealing the larger picture of life in Iran during that country's best and worst of times. Mr. Martin is a natural story teller and gifted writer. His story zeros in on the day-to-day problems and pleasures he encountered in Iran, and puts them into perspective by giving the larger picture of Iran's internal and world politics.

Several weeks ago I rode my bike to the local airport to see why there were so many planes suddenly flying around the small community that I live in, and once there I found that there was a fly-in. Now, I'm not very knowledgeable about aircraft but I have had a life long fascination with aircraft of any sort. I enjoyed walking around inspecting aircraft of various kinds and being mesmerized by some formation flying, but couldn't get answers to some of my questions, especially those having to do with WWII (which were the ones performing low level fly-byes, and higher level formation flying).

Eventually I worked my way over to the hangar where breakfast was being served by the local Boy Scout troupe. Right outside the hangar was a small table with a display of pictures and several books on it, and a man sitting there with aviator style sunglasses on engaged in discussion with another gentleman. As I looked at the display I couldn't help but overhear some of the aviation stories he was telling, and became enthralled with not only the information I was hearing but the manner in which it was being conveyed.

After some time I got into a discussion with Mr. Martin about some of the aircraft that I had seen that day. He answered all of my questions and cleared up those that most intriqued me (the WWII aircraft were T-6 trainers, an aircraft that he had experience with). He then began telling me stories about his adventures as a pilot in an Iranian air taxi company during the last days of the Shah's government and the revolution that brought the Ayatollah to power.

To say that I was hooked on his storytelling is an understatement. I really had no intention of buying the book when I first saw it, but my subsequent conversation with Mr. Martin convinced me that I couldn't pass up this opportunity to delve deeper into his experiences during such an important period in world history. Sitting in front of me was someone with vast experience in aviation who had first hand knowledge of some incredible events that still affect our world today.

Mr. Martin's writing is crisp in its detail and weaves some historical background information to flesh out his stories so that the reader has a better grasp of not only the flavor of the times but of a society and people we Americans (and most Westerners I would imagine) are likely to be unaware of. Not only was I entertained but I learned an awful lot.

Wings Over Persia captivated me from cover to cover, keeping me on the edge of my seat with stories that alternated between high drama, humor, and suspense. Sometimes people who can tell a great story fail miserably when they commit them to paper. Not so in this case. Lou Martin is a storyteller/writer par excellance. It was a lucky day for me when I met him and now I have this jewell of a book to relive some of his fascinating escapades.

This book is suitable for any reader, young or old, as there is no unacceptable language for parents to worry about - just great stories that kids will love and older people will appreciate. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of young readers will be inspired to persue a career in aviation due to this book.

As I am serving in the Air Force in the Middle East, I found Mr. Martin's book to be quite timely and an interesting mix of personal accounts and additional history to make it a joy to read and own!

I heard Lou MArtin speak about his book "Wings Over Persia" at the Vette theater in the EAA Air museum on July 31, 2005. After his interesting lecture, I bought his book and read it in two days. It was difficult to put down! It's an exciting book about his life of flying in Iran during the 1978 revolution, and provides a much better understanding of the weird philosophy of the Middle East.
It's a clean book with no profanity or F words, a refreshing change. I recommend it to readers of all ages.

Lou was definitely not bright enough to survive in Persia. His life was saved only by the most fortuitous grace of God. One would think that after a few hints, even an idiot would have bailed country. Fortunately for Lou and us, he has survived to tell a pretty informative tale that gives keen insight on the time of the overthrow of the Shah and transition of Persia to the hard line Islamic state of Iran.

If Lou reads this, please drop me a line samdurbin@yahoo.com.
Sam

If you're interested in flying, cockpit humor, and insight into some of the behavior and thinking in the Middle East, you must read "Wings over Persia." It is both informative and highly entertaining. I give it two thumbs up.

Wings over Persia is a real pager turner with true story telling as only Captain Lou Martin can do. The teasers early on in the book only heighten your interest as to what is to come next. He gives the reader the benefit of the dought that they do have a working knowledge of aircraft pilotage. The insight he brings to the culture of the Iranian people can only help one to understand the present world situation.

It has also been my honor and pleasure to have Captain Martin as my IP on a number of Warbird hops and a memorable FAA check-ride one year.

I really enjoyed this book. As a pilot, I enjoy reading about the flying adventures of other pilots. Not only does Lou describe his "real life" and "life threatening" adventures, he also sheds light on the Muslim culture and how it affects aviation. At a time when Iraq and Iran are headline news, Wings Over Persia really is a must read.

Very interesting from start to finish, I had a hard time putting it down. I felt like I was there.
Highly entertaining and informative.

I thought this was a very informative and intersting book. Besides the history aspect of this book it is very timely and gives the reader some insight to all the things that are going on now in the Middle East. While this book is interesting to everyone it is especially interesting to anyone who is intersted in flying.