Bravo Two Zero: The Harrowing True Story of a Special Forces Patrol Behind the Lines in Iraq by Andy McNab Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Bravo Two Zero: The Harrowing True Story of a Special Forces Patrol Behind the Lines in Iraq
Book Review: A Story of Tremendous Courage!!
Summary: 5 Stars
All I can say is once I started reading the book I could not put it down. Bravo Two Zero is assigned to go behind Iraqi lines and destroy the Scuds of Saddam. Unfortunately they are dropped in an area heavily populated by civilians and military units. The ordeal that they endure is a tribute to human endurance and courage. I admired McNab for his decision making in situations you cannot even fathom. I also liked the writing style McNab used as it is very "matter of fact". You will also learn a lot about the culture of the SAS units which was also very interesting.Book Review: A book full of lies and exaggerations
Summary: 1 Stars
The assertions of this book have been debunked by not only other authors (Peter Ratcliffe, the then-SAS RSM, in _Eye of the Storm, and by Michael Asher in the book _The Real Bravo Two Zero_) but also by the author, whose post-mission debrief did not mention many of the stories in this book.
It's also rather weaselish of the author to hide behind a pseudonym yet use the real names of his dead comrades, and criticize one of them, Vince Phillips, for causing the failure of the mission. Not only was Mr Phillips not to blame, but he is also not in a position to defend himself, having died during said mission.
A book that garnered far more success than it deserved, this is another example of undeserved success. Stephen X should be ashamed of himself for putting out this heap of lies.
Book Review: A farce
Summary: 1 Stars
According to friends in the armed forces, the author became pretty unpopular amongst his former colleagues for some of the claims made in this book. Let's just say that you shouldn't believe everything you read (especially the unfair criticism of Vince Phillips). Read "The Real Bravo Two Zero" for a more accurate version of what happened.As for the 4 and 5 star reviewers here, use some basic intelligence - how can a mission when 8 went out and only 1 came back be described as anything other than a disaster? Look at the numerous mistakes made, it is a classic example of oxymoronic military "intelligence" and poor planning. Brave men died unnecessarily because basic kit was missing or failed in the field (e.g. their homing beacons), thanks to red tape and government bureaucracy which has left the British army chronically under-supplied and short of useful, reliable equipment. Finally, if you still believe everything McNab wrote, ask yourself why much of the heroics described in this book were not even mentioned at the mission debriefing - funny that, eh?
I have no doubt that "McNab" displayed bravery in the field. it's just a shame then that he felt the need to embellish his story.
Book Review: A matter of hounor
Summary: 5 Stars
Having watched the film televised on the BBC, I found it a must to read more about this mission as my interest in the SAS had grown to an all time high. I feel England has the best counter- terrorist team in the world and the others can only watch and gasp in despair. What a better example than the 'Bravo Two Zero' mission that our SAS boys undertook, with the presence of U.S.Delta Force(U.S. special forces), they were selected for the suicide mission. I found the book too harrowing at times and had to break my concentration to relieve myself, especially when the scences of torture are described. Overall, although watching the film (in my case) had reinforced some of the scenes and cleared an ambiguities, I believe the text itself has a clear definite structure. This is vital for any true life account. Andy Mcnab and his crew are national heroes, I guess the most daunting part I discovered was that only five out of the eight made it back. Some excellent photos of the patrol are included which only keep you going. Geart book, pre-requisites : NONE!Book Review: A partial dissenter, I found the last part boring
Summary: 3 Stars
The first half of the book, on the preparation and attempted execution of the mission, is great. I personally found the last half that began with his capture to be repetitious and skippable. (This is not, of course, to take anything away from his bravery, endurance etc.) Immediate Action was a much more interesting (and 5 star) book.