Comprehensive But Not What I Hoped For

My first read of a Max Hastings book was the excellent "Nemesis: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45" and so I thought I'd give his treatment of the Falklands war a read too. Hastings has a superb writing style that takes a holistic view of the conflict which is sprinkled with quotes, diary entries and observations from the various participants which are used and woven together to provide a great work of historical fact and analysis.

However ....

I found that I got a lesser personal perspective on the trials and tribulations of the conflict by those directly involved than in the aforementioned book. In "Nemesis", I got a deeper feeling of the combatants and civilians alike during the events depicted than I did from this book. To me, this work seemed to lack the gritty realism of prolonged first hand accounts which I had rather hoped for. That is not to say that this is not a well written and comprehensive book as it clearly is but it does not provide quite the raw flavour of combat that perhaps a memoir of those on the front lines would. From that perspective, this was not as satisfying a read as I'd hoped but again, that is more my fault than anything the author has done. In future I will seek out those books written by those directly involved for something a bit more visceral and which puts you in the shoes of those that fought.

One review, I think, compared this to the Eugene Sledge memoir "With The Old breed" which I have to disagree with wholeheartedly. Thus far, I still rate Sledge's personal accounts of his war time experiences as the best I've read to date on the sheer horror and misery of total war.

For those who are looking to read a book that is a broad canvas of the history of the Falklands war along with the back story of the ownership of the islands then this is perfect as a comprehensive treatment of that conflict. However, In its meticulous research, it also spends quite some time on the rather dry and dull background politics too which for me is uninteresting despite me understanding why the book had to include this aspect.

Reading this will certainly provide detailed insight into the events of the Falklands conflict and is an excellent overall description of the events leading to an during the war but doesn't contain enough accounts of those that fought it. Perhaps I should clarify that last remark and say that it has many partial accounts but which are very limited and more brief quotes or anecdotes comprising just two or three sentences from an account here or there rather than more lengthy substance.

Fantastically researched and complete but a little dry and reads at times like a government report.

19 people found this helpful

Authoritative story of a modern war

I remember how surprised I was by the invasion of the Falklands and so found the section of the book about the protracted history of the claims of sovereignty illuminating. I chose the book on the strength of Max Hasting’s superb books about the First and Second World Wars and this one is similarly scholarly and engaging as he combines historical fact with the personal experiences of the people involved in the conflict. There are vivid descriptions of the the action that get over what it was like to be engaged in battle. The author is unbiased in relating the triumphs and failures of both sides and the strengths and weaknesses of those in authority and the short-comings over supplies that undermined the effectiveness of the combatants.

As with all books about wars I was left with a feeling of sadness that so many men were maimed or lost their lives over something that should have been negotiated but for megalomania, hubris or political expediency getting in the way, but also admiring the courage and forbearance of men in the face of terrifying situations and ghastly conditions.

The narrator is excellent.

8 people found this helpful

Fabulous

Loved listening to every minute of this book
I remember it well being a schoolboy and watching it on the news every night
A great listen

6 people found this helpful

If you like this sort of stuff, you'll love this.

Would you listen to Battle for the Falklands again? Why?

Yes, because there is a lot of information to take in and I guess you can always over look stuff that you pick up the second time around.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Battle for the Falklands?

How the British armed forces overcame all the obstacles to achieve victory against the odds.

Have you listened to any of Cameron Stewart’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I don't think so, so can't compare.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The odds are stacked against the task force, who have the nations hopes and pride resting with them. Will they be victorious against this unknown enemy, and at what cost?

Any additional comments?

Awesome book, makes me what more and really gives an insight into the minds of the soldiers that fought for our nation.

5 people found this helpful

Arguably the most authorative work on the subject

I've read a number of books on the subject, all were good but had a personal slant. Max Hastings gives a very truthful and balanced account with equally balanced analysis. The book is very comprehensive but flows well. The initial chapters deal well with the history of the islands and the basis for territorial claims by different sides, a useful tool for setting the context.
Overall it was gripping listen, a strong title within the Audible catalogue.

4 people found this helpful

the Falklands. <br /><br />

the overall strategy was a sound and very well presented account of the war
excellent

4 people found this helpful

Excellent

A fascinating account that is well written and flows nicely as a result. A piece of history that I lived through but was too young to remember well. Superbly read. Highly recommended.

4 people found this helpful

Superb

A brilliantly detailed and balanced review of the conflict. This is a very informative book and shows the war through the eyes of the service personnel on both sides of the conflict, and also provides accurate portrayals of the political ramblings from both sides of the conflict. A really brilliant book.

4 people found this helpful

everything you need to know.

Tells the whole story from soldiers on the ground to the political reasons behind the war. the fact the author was on the ground during the conflict really helps give an overall picture.
if you are only going to read one book about the Falklands conflict this would be a good one.

7 people found this helpful

Makes a great audiobook.

A very good account. My one criticism is that early on he is very critical about the RN's desire for "proper" large aircraft carriers, and he doesn't make the connection that these ships would have made a massive difference and saved many lives. Otherwise an excellent book and it makes an excellent audiobook. Not all books survive the conversion to audiobook but this one does.

3 people found this helpful