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Blood & Sand
- Narrated by: Frank Gardner
- Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins
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Blood & Sand
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Summary
Blood & Sand is the story of a man who was left for dead but, and against all odds, survived. And not only did Frank Gardner survive but, drawing on his journalistic calling, he has given us an extraordinary, terrifying account of the whole, literally life-shattering, experience, from what it's like to be shot to the excruciating months of recovery. But his book is more than about this one incident and its aftermath. It is about a journey that began 25 years ago with a chance meeting on a London bus with the veteran Arabian explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, who inspired in the young Frank what would become a lifelong passion for the Arab world. This abiding interest would lead him to travel throughout the Middle East, experiencing at first hand peoples, places, and cultures that few have encountered, a colourful world of scorpion-infested Bedouin tents, of Cairene hash dens and vibrant Egyptian slums. It's a journey that would eventually lead, via the world of banking, to Frank becoming a journalist with the BBC. And it was this passion that would, in the wake of the world-changing events of 9/11, send him on the journey that came to dominate, and so very nearly end, his life.
Written with honesty, integrity, and humour, this is a powerful, haunting account of survival, of over-coming adversity and a determination to carry on, a moving and inspiring personal story that reveals a deep understanding of the Islamic world and an insider's compelling analysis of the on-going "War on Terror" and what it means in these uncertain times.
Critic reviews
"An insightful and experienced reporter, Gardner had a great respect for Arab culture. It was not the end for what his attackers called the 'infidel reporter', however. Through medical expertise and courageous spirit, Gardner is back in his old job, even though he is now paraplegic. He does not forgive his attackers, but his unique insights into the current crises have been honed. His measured narration complements his admirable dignity." ( The Observer)
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What listeners say about Blood & Sand
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Don Tomlinson
- 03-07-21
Amazing book on Frank Gardner
What a guy - tremendous story of what happened to hom, written and narrated by Frank himself - a great read ...
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Tony
- 25-03-08
Blood abd shear Guts
I have seen this chap on the BBC and always thought what does he know and why is he in a wheel Chair. Well he knows alot about the middle East and that knowledge was gain by moving amoungst the people of the region. A positive tale about a man who loved the people the area and the life of the countries of the middle East. Who one day was at the wrong place at the wrong time. His story is bright and colour full charting the early years he spent reporting and visiting all around that area. Full of the hope and potential the region had and still could have. A tale well told in his own word from the very horse`s mouth.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mitch
- 20-03-21
good book only 3 chapters though
This story is an amazing ordeal, and narrated by Mr Gardner really hits it home, however there are only three chapters of the book, would suggest looking into another narration which has been updated.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Jon
- 12-10-07
Blood & Sand by Frank Gardner
An outstanding insight into Middle Eastern geopolitics clearly written with compassion, understanding and verve despite the author's horrendous and tragic personal experience at the hands of al quaeda terrorism. I'll recommend this one to all my friends and associates.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Consumer East Anglia
- 20-05-21
Poignant and Moving
I have just finished this book. It is a complete travesty that a few bad eggs can cause so much harm. Despite his injuries the author takes pain to show the good in most of the people he came across whilst in the Middle East. Very well written and I was gripped.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bob Raley
- 11-02-19
An exceptional record of recovery from adversity through the love of life and family.
If you have any interest in the Middle East you should listen to this extraordinary poignant experience related with exceptional clarity by Frank Gardner himself.
It has left me feeling great admiration for his courage and stoicism and no little gratitude for the encouragement his story provides for others facing similar struggles with life changing injuries. I was especially impressed by the wonderful support and love from his family and how that must have been key to his mental as well as his physical recovery. Thank you to Frank for having the courage to share his very personal story.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Ann D
- 09-07-14
Well written, but not up to the publishers descrip
What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
I usually find that a memior (or similar) is best read by the author, as the enthusiams, passions etc are best communicated by the person who experienced them. Unfortunately, Frank Gardener's performance was very wooden. He spoke slightly too fast and his received pronunciation didn't help. The wooden delivery and the speed improved enough to no longer be distracting in the middle sections of the book, but in the early part and towards the end, the narration was distracting.
Was Blood & Sand worth the listening time?
Yes.
Any additional comments?
The description of this book states that it " . . . is a powerful, haunting account . . . . , a moving and inspiring personal story that reveals a deep understanding of the Islamic world". It does not live up to that. It is a good book, well written and of course, well informed given the author. However, its too short to be very powerful or to reveal a deep understanding of the Islamic world. It does allow the listener to realise that Frank Gardner probably does have that deep understanding, but the length precludes a deep exploration of the issues.
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