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At The Going Down of the Sun : Love, Loss and Sacrifice in Afghanistan Hardcover – 11 Nov. 2014
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length480 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherMonday Books
- Publication date11 Nov. 2014
- Dimensions16.4 x 3.8 x 23.6 cm
- ISBN-101906308624
- ISBN-13978-1906308629
Product description
Review
Product details
- Publisher : Monday Books; UK ed. edition (11 Nov. 2014)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 480 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1906308624
- ISBN-13 : 978-1906308629
- Dimensions : 16.4 x 3.8 x 23.6 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 1,166,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 8,620 in Philosopher Biographies
- Customer reviews:
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book emotional and heartwarming. They describe it as an excellent read about brave servicemen and women. The courage of everyone shines through the stories of sacrifice. Readers find the book worth reading and consider it a great tribute to those who died in Afghanistan. The humor and information value are also appreciated.
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Customers find the book emotional and moving. They appreciate the poignant stories told by the heroes' families. The book is described as thoughtful and a great read, with an amazing perspective on a horrific subject.
"...There are riveting accounts of weeks and months spent on remote patrol bases and checkpoints, all the time fearing an overwhelming attack and..." Read more
"...Their individual stores were humorous but also very sad...." Read more
"This book is beautifully written. Each chapter tells an incredibly poignant story, detailing each hero's early life, learnt by speaking to childhood..." Read more
"Very moving accounts of bravery, courage, loss and sorrow as the author recounts the lives and deaths of British service personnel in..." Read more
Customers find the book an engaging read. They describe it as a fantastic tribute to those who died in war. However, some readers found the book difficult to read and emotional at times.
"This book is a fantastic tribute to all men and women who died in Afghanistan, and anywhere else for that matter...." Read more
"Thank you Graham for an outstanding book and tribute to our brave servicemen and women. I know personally how hard you worked on it to get it right...." Read more
"Absolutely fantastic read. An excellent book that chronicles the lives and sacrifice of 20 young men and women who fought in Afghanistan...." Read more
"...A very good read and spot on with the details and im privileged to be in the book myself and too have had an input in what was written...." Read more
Customers appreciate the courage of the servicemen and women portrayed in the book. They find the stories of sacrifice moving and a fitting tribute to those who died in Afghanistan.
"...adds to the previous one in it's vivid portrayal of combat and brave sacrifice...." Read more
"This book is a fantastic tribute to all men and women who died in Afghanistan, and anywhere else for that matter...." Read more
"Very moving accounts of bravery, courage, loss and sorrow as the author recounts the lives and deaths of British service personnel in..." Read more
"Thank you Graham for an outstanding book and tribute to our brave servicemen and women. I know personally how hard you worked on it to get it right...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it a thoughtful tribute that is worth reading if you are interested in people and the military.
"...at the Officers Mess of the Royal Artillery and was an amazing celebration of Mark's life...." Read more
"excellent value for the price of the book......just wish us 20 families didn't need to have to write a chapter of our childrens lives....... shed a..." Read more
"...Well worth reading if your are interested in people and/or the military." Read more
"Thoughtful, considerate but a painful book to read as either a parent, spouse of any member of the military...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the stories poignant and sad, making them laugh and cry.
"...Their individual stores were humorous but also very sad...." Read more
"...Amusing anecdotes are described that bring each hero to life, and allow the reader to feel that they have in some small way got to know and..." Read more
"...From notifying officers and those who have lost someone. The book made me cry and laugh but most off all proud to be part of the military family." Read more
"A very poignant, sad, and at times funny stories of some of our national heroes who were killed in battle in recent conflicts. A very good read." Read more
Customers find the book informative and moving. They say it explains what happens to non-combatants, and they are proud of those in the armed forces.
"...It gives a remarkable insight - quite possibly the best - into the intensity of deadly combat faced by British servicemen and women..." Read more
"...This is to me a massively important book which shows non-combatants what happens when the war ends and the caravan moves on...." Read more
"...Certainly opens your eyes .proud of every one in the Armed forces .keep safe ." Read more
"Very informative and moving read. Really brings home the courage of the forces personnel and the courage and fortitude of the bereaved." Read more
Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They say it's an informative and moving read that keeps them turning the pages.
"...Every chapter is moving and compulsively page-turning as one reads the first-hand accounts of soldiers who served for months in remote bases..." Read more
"A deeply moving and sensitively written book...." Read more
"Very informative and moving read. Really brings home the courage of the forces personnel and the courage and fortitude of the bereaved." Read more
"Inspirarional and Moving..." Read more
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 October 2016If you want to know what it was like to fight for one's life in the battlegrounds of southern Afghanistan, read this book. It gives a remarkable insight - quite possibly the best - into the intensity of deadly combat faced by British servicemen and women (a surprising number of women) in Afghanistan. Every chapter is moving and compulsively page-turning as one reads the first-hand accounts of soldiers who served for months in remote bases surrounded by hostile and merciless Taliban fighters. The author interviewed many men and women who served in Helmand and every one had reason to fear they might not be returning to their families alive. They do not pull their punches when describing the extreme dangers, the emotion of combat, their feelings of being cut off from reinforcement and resupply as they manned patrol bases and patrolled daily in areas where ambush and improvised explosive devices (the dreaded IED's) were not so much possible as probable.
In these accounts, one is reminded of the old saying that when the chips are down, soldiers fight not so much for Queen and Country or for the regiment, but for their buddies; the man (sometimes woman) who is at his or her side also engaging the enemy with rifle, machine gun or grenades. I have not read any other book about Afghanistan that told me so vividly what it was like to see one's buddy killed or to carry out a fighting withdrawal to save the lives of friends injured in ambushes.
There are riveting accounts of weeks and months spent on remote patrol bases and checkpoints, all the time fearing an overwhelming attack and knowing that helicopters would only face the danger of flying in if they needed to rescue the injured or drop more ammunition. At times, the dead could not even be evacuated. Every chapter adds to the previous one in it's vivid portrayal of combat and brave sacrifice.
If I was to select one account for its importance, it would be the story of the disaster at the Kajaki dam. The account of a platoon of Paras, stuck in an unmarked minefield laid by the Russians during their occupation is outstanding. There were multiple serious injuries in this incident and one man, Cpl Mark Wright, died (subsequently receiving a posthumous George Cross). The Paras' endured hour after hour of this torture before being rescued by US helicopters and medics, but their spirits were maintained by their amazing camaraderie and black humour. This spirit was typical of the men and women whom we sent to Afghanistan to fight a war we could never win. This terrific book sheds light on that, and what one sees is inspiring and remarkable.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 September 2015This book is a fantastic tribute to all men and women who died in Afghanistan, and anywhere else for that matter. Their individual stores were humorous but also very sad. Having knowledge of my own in losing my husband in similar circumstances in Cyprus I can relate to many of the stories and how these brave soldiers gave their lives but leaving their loved ones sorely missing them. I loved reading every story. God bless those they leave behind.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is beautifully written. Each chapter tells an incredibly poignant story
This book is beautifully written. Each chapter tells an incredibly poignant story, detailing each hero's early life, learnt by speaking to childhood friends, parents, siblings and grandparents. Colleagues and comrades describe the background to the activity in the field, giving the reader a real sense and feel of how incredibly difficult life was on a day to day basis. Widows, widowers, girlfriends, fiancés, parents and friends describe openly how they are coping with their tragedy. Amusing anecdotes are described that bring each hero to life, and allow the reader to feel that they have in some small way got to know and understand the hero. I can only assume that the people who agreed to be interviewed by the author felt extremely at ease with him as they have been so open and honest, and this is what makes the book so amazing. The message that comes out from all their lives though is that they were doing a job they loved. I feel privileged and humbled to have been able to gain a small insight into these incredible lives.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 September 2015Very moving accounts of bravery, courage, loss and sorrow as the author recounts the lives and deaths of British service personnel in Afghanistan.
Two things stood out to me; the large proportion of people who came from broken homes (perhaps the forces provide a replacement 'family') and the terrible loss suffered by their next-of-kin. It is clear that most, if not all, will simply never get over their Bereavement
Required reading for Westminster politicians.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2014Thank you Graham for an outstanding book and tribute to our brave servicemen and women. I know personally how hard you worked on it to get it right. The phone calls, emails and meetings. This book is a special in site into the lives of 20 of our fallen and the horrendous affect it has had on their family and friends. If you care about our forces and their families you must read this book, it is the least we can all do
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2014I have never been so totally reduced to tears (of pride) by any book as I have by this one.
This is to me a massively important book which shows non-combatants what happens when the war ends and the caravan moves on.
The soldiers and Marines in this book knew the risks they were taking when they signed on, and to a man and woman I am sure they were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice (while hoping of course that they were not called upon to do so).
Through the interviews and letters home (jincluding in many cases their final letters, to be opened only after they had died) we get to learn more about twenty very brave men and women, and the families and comrades they left behind.
I defy anyone to read it and not come away simultaneously saddened and uplifted.
It's not jingoistic, it's not chest beating, it's not an argument against war - it's not even necessarily an argument against the Afghanistan war.
But it is an argument against any unnecessary war - war fought for the vanity and ego of politicians and other REMFs who get to sit at home while lads and lasses, mostly from very ordinary homes in nondescript British towns, go overseas to do their dirty work.
Whether Afghan fits into that definition is for others to say.
But for me, At The Going Down Of The Sun is a fantastic testament to the sacrifice of all who served.
Top reviews from other countries
- Stephen N. PrinceReviewed in Germany on 17 January 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A terribly sad memorial
What is so absolutely infuriating when reading this excellent tribute to some of those brave men and women from Britain who sadly died in Afghanistan is the fact that it was in the end all so terribly futile. Having been soundly defeated in the first round of fighting the British forces, the Taliban went over to using those horrifically cowardly IED's, a sadly recurring story in these pages, as time and again soldiers on patrol were blown up while doing their duty to Queen and country and for the innocent people of Afghanistan. We get to know each soldier from childhood to the start of their service, their families and beloved and their friends in the army. All are devastated at the tragic death of their beloved and dear friend, making it hard to read at times, especially when one realises how many very valuable and important individuals were lost in what ultimately was a futile conflict that should never have ended like it did, after such bloodshed and heart break. This book is a tribute to some of those courageous men and women who gave their lives for that conflict, and they should never be forgotten - this Important book will hopefully help to see that they never are.
- ShoeloverReviewed in the United States on 22 February 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
I am an American and a British friend suggested this book to me. I absolutely loved it. A great read. Highly suggest it. I am mind blown that someone could say this book is not entertaining. You must not have a heart. This book is very touching and to me life changing.
- JOHNReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2015
3.0 out of 5 stars A waste of the lives of so many fine young men ...
A difficult book to read, much sorrow and much honor. A waste of the lives of so many fine young men and women