Behind the Lines
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 3 months for £0.99/mo
Behind the Lines
Buy Now for £6.99
-
Narrated by:
-
Ian Patrick
-
By:
-
Ian Patrick
About this listen
These eight short stories are works of fiction but reflect the author's real personal experiences while undergoing compulsory military training during his youth in apartheid South Africa. The stories are all based on real events but the characters are the products of creative imagination, however rooted in reality they might be. Listeners will enjoy a range of humour and unusual incidents - frequently hilarious - along with perceptive insights into the trials and tribulations faced by a young man seeking an identity in a confusing world of military discipline and rigid conformity.
©2017 Ian Patrick (P)2017 Ian PatrickListeners also enjoyed...
If you could sum up Behind the Lines in three words, what would they be?
True and endearingWhat was one of the most memorable moments of Behind the Lines?
The falling in love with the girl in "Blood Bond" was delightful.What about Ian Patrick’s performance did you like?
Easy, no affectation, truthful and honest, along with clear diction and warm tones.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Not really. I listened to them on my iPhone whenever I was waiting for a bus or train.Any additional comments?
Truthful stories well told. The writing is lovely and the narration matches it all the way.Enchanting short stories
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Charming, utterly charming
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
What made the experience of listening to Behind the Lines the most enjoyable?
I listened to these eight stories in one journey through ice and snow. Being stranded at a standstill in the car, all alone, while someone tries to sort out the traffic, is not pleasant. But luckily I had these stories on audio. I sat there in the dark laughing away and shedding a tear or two. This was because my brother, no longer with us, went through exactly this experience in the army. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't know the author, or was in the same barracks with him, because he told me stories exactly like these ones. The same kinds of characters. The same kinds of awful corporals and sergeants and captains bullying the soldiers. But most of all I loved the fact that this young man - who could have been my brother - grew up to maturity and shed all the insecurities as he grew to adulthood. I cherish these stories and will listen to them many times over.What was one of the most memorable moments of Behind the Lines?
The outburst by the man called Glen was wonderful. Politically wise and intelligent and not afraid to spoeak up against awful people.Which scene did you most enjoy?
In "Bloodbond" the scene with the new girlfriend in the hospital was hilarious and very touching.Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
That very same scene was moving and funny all at once.Any additional comments?
So good. Highly recommended.I cherish these stories
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Would you consider the audio edition of Behind the Lines to be better than the print version?
The audio version is particularly enjoyable because the author himself reads, and he obviously brings to the task a lovely familiarity with the characters. In fact, he paints them with gentle loving strokes and it makes the experience much more enjoyable for the reader/listener. There are some perceptive social and political observations, but so subtly conveyed that one is never conscious of any point of view being foisted upon us.What did you like best about this story?
I’ve read some of this author’s other books, which I enjoyed, and was expecting another crime thriller. Surprise. This was so different and very, very good. I thoroughly enjoyed these tales of a young man growing up under awful circumstances.Have you listened to any of Ian Patrick’s other performances? How does this one compare?
These are different and very enjoyable, but different genre.Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Very touching in parts. Lots of laughter.Any additional comments?
The character of Glen in the second story (the one called “Basic Training”, I think) is the only character throughout the entire collection of eight stories that engages in a political discussion, but it is so well done and very insightful. This is a book to enjoy more than once.Oh, yes, and the afterword is a really beautiful piece, talking more generally about writing, truth, and fiction.
Well done and very insightful
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I love the fact that he meets his match in a bright young woman who will take both him and herself very far in life.
A really enjoyable set of stories.
Lovely passage through early life
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.