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Rating: 
- Sublime war biography
Many people will have been familiar with Alan Whicker from his decades of jet-setting, globe-trotting Whicker's World programmes; entertainingly, wittily and educationally bringing the world of travel into our homes on TV for British and other audiences.
When, after an absence that's been far too long, he reappeared on our screens again recently, to present a two-part documentary of his own experiences in Italy during the Second World War, many were happily surprised to see him still alive and going strong. And more importantly, we were treated to a sublime piece of television from this master of presentation and narration. The book is even better, because it provides more anecdotes and background on the campaign, and yet is still written in that informative, funny, moving, understated and charming manner you'd expect from the old boy. This book is a rare treat of history told by one who was there.
Rating: - Simply Superb
I have a great interest in the Italian campaign. Having talked with many veterans I can only say that Whicker's book uniquely captures the atmosphere they all describe, for the invasion of Italy proved to be one of the most bloody and bizarre wars on record.
Whicker is a superb writer and seeringly frank - one feels one is sitting alone with him late at night, listening to his intimate thoughts. Angry, ironic, elegiac, humane, his unflagging narrative brings history to life in the most marvelously personal way. As another reader has noted, his account of the last days of Mussolini is quite simply brilliant.
This is a wonderful book - a splendid tribute both to the author and to his comrades.
Rating: - Whicker's excellent narrative style comes to the fore.
This was my chosen book for my summer holiday and it ticked all of the boxes: flowing narrative, clear descriptions, and easy enough to be able to read and keep an eye on the kids at the same time! I have read plenty of accounts of the war but this was the first covering the Italian campaign, something which was important to me due to my late father's involvement. Whicker provides a wonderful insight into the triumphs and tregedies of the campaign, leaving the reader in no doubt as to the foolhardiness of the American General Mark Clark, but also to the courage of Allied and German troops. His description of Mussolini's final days was a real eye-opener to me, but more than anything the horrors of the Anzio campaign are powerfully described. I can thoroughly recommend this book to anybody with an interest in this period of history especially those who don't want a heavyilydetailed, academic study of the war in Italy.
Rating: - whicker's best so far
This really is a fabulous read, all ages will enjoy this book. I thoroughly recommend it. It is informative, exciting and very moving in parts, buy it!!!!
Rating: - A MUST READ BOOK
For anybody who as ever worn uniform, this book brings home; the banality; the comradeship; tragedy; humour, and sheer improbability of life on active service. The fact that the author just happens to have gone on to become a celebrity is soon forgotten.
- Sublime war biographyMany people will have been familiar with Alan Whicker from his decades of jet-setting, globe-trotting Whicker's World programmes; entertainingly, wittily and educationally bringing the world of travel into our homes on TV for British and other audiences.
When, after an absence that's been far too long, he reappeared on our screens again recently, to present a two-part documentary of his own experiences in Italy during the Second World War, many were happily surprised to see him still alive and going strong. And more importantly, we were treated to a sublime piece of television from this master of presentation and narration. The book is even better, because it provides more anecdotes and background on the campaign, and yet is still written in that informative, funny, moving, understated and charming manner you'd expect from the old boy. This book is a rare treat of history told by one who was there.
Rating:
- Simply SuperbI have a great interest in the Italian campaign. Having talked with many veterans I can only say that Whicker's book uniquely captures the atmosphere they all describe, for the invasion of Italy proved to be one of the most bloody and bizarre wars on record.
Whicker is a superb writer and seeringly frank - one feels one is sitting alone with him late at night, listening to his intimate thoughts. Angry, ironic, elegiac, humane, his unflagging narrative brings history to life in the most marvelously personal way. As another reader has noted, his account of the last days of Mussolini is quite simply brilliant.
This is a wonderful book - a splendid tribute both to the author and to his comrades.
Rating:
- Whicker's excellent narrative style comes to the fore.This was my chosen book for my summer holiday and it ticked all of the boxes: flowing narrative, clear descriptions, and easy enough to be able to read and keep an eye on the kids at the same time! I have read plenty of accounts of the war but this was the first covering the Italian campaign, something which was important to me due to my late father's involvement. Whicker provides a wonderful insight into the triumphs and tregedies of the campaign, leaving the reader in no doubt as to the foolhardiness of the American General Mark Clark, but also to the courage of Allied and German troops. His description of Mussolini's final days was a real eye-opener to me, but more than anything the horrors of the Anzio campaign are powerfully described. I can thoroughly recommend this book to anybody with an interest in this period of history especially those who don't want a heavyilydetailed, academic study of the war in Italy.
Rating:
- whicker's best so farThis really is a fabulous read, all ages will enjoy this book. I thoroughly recommend it. It is informative, exciting and very moving in parts, buy it!!!!
Rating:
- A MUST READ BOOKFor anybody who as ever worn uniform, this book brings home; the banality; the comradeship; tragedy; humour, and sheer improbability of life on active service. The fact that the author just happens to have gone on to become a celebrity is soon forgotten.