Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #538262 in Books
• Published on: 1990-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 196 pages

Synopsis
Robert Lawrence was born into the army. His brother, father and grandfather had all been in the forces before him, so it seemed natural for him to join up. He joined the Scots Guards and loved the army life - its sense of family and history, the mess nights, the ceremonial, the training and travel. When the Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in 1982, Lawrence became involved in the battle for Tumbledown Mountain, in which he was seriously maimed. This is an account of his experiences there and his subsequent recovery and treatment on his return to Britain. He and his father describe the disgust they felt at the reception of the "conquering heroes" - the men the British Army tried to forget. Published to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the Falklands War, this is a testimony to those who liberated the Islands and to their families who lived through the war and its aftermath.

Customer Reviews

Compelling one the one hand, disturbing on the other...
This book I read from cover to cover in one big breath. Having already seen the film of the book (an excellent film, I should add which unfortunately is not sold anywhere to my knowledge) I didn't really expect the book could move me more than the film. How wrong I was! The book is written by both Robert Lawrence (the guy it all happened to) and his father John Lawrence. Their writing alternates with eachother so that you get a good idea of what the son and the father (parents) are going through at the same time. I thought this book was compelling, often disturbing, but always heartwarming. And with all due respect to the previous reviewer: this book isn't about the Falklands or the British Army, it's about the struggle of a young man who got wounded, fighting for a cause he believed in, then finding out that society didn't care all that much about the victims of war. I also think that Robert Lawrence is a very courageous man, not only during the battle but even more so in trying to pick up the pieces and build up a living again.

Written from the heart
I was informed about this book by one of my good friends father who fought in the battle of 'Tumbledown'. I've read many books on the Falklands, this on stood out and was a great read. I thought it was a extremley accurate account of the Lt Lawence and the difficulties he face whilst trying to establish some form of normality in 'Civiy' street. A true personnel battle of grit and deterimation of a forgotten hero.

Disappointing at best
Whilst one must appreciate the pain Robert Lawrence has gone through after he was shot in the head during the Battle for Mount Tumbledown, his father and himself have not written a very enthralling book. Little is spent on the battle, and the majority is of this person's struggle with issues with the army, which unfortunately do not make good, interesting reading. John Lawrence simply repeats the same line about a prayer to god over and over again which gets extremeley tedious after about the fifth time. There are far better Falkland Island and British Army examples.