Amicus
08-18-21, 12:17
At various times I have tripped over a British author who wrote novels about unusual war experiences. While these books had their share of action, they were a bit more cerebral than the run of the mill types. Here are three quick synopses from memories decades old:
1. (This is NOT "Lie Down with Lions" by Ken Follett) A SAS guy has the job of clandestinely collecting parts and avionics from HIND helicopters, and a small supply of Redeye missiles (I believe with Israeli markings) to cover his tracks. He occasionally runs across a French nurse who has a different view of things from him.
2. As I recall, another one begins with a police report about a missing British subject who has few friends but is acknowledged as a phenomenal long range target shooter. Interviews with various people indicate that he also has an unusual rifle that has great long range capabilities. The bulk of the novel then shifts to the missing man, who has travelled to Kurd country for reasons that are a bit obscure. He has no military background, but he knows how to use his (then sort of exotic) .338 Lapua rifle to great effect. He also meets up with a female Peshmerga leader who teaches him something about leadership and devotion while fighting Iraqis. The novel ends with a follow up to the police report saying the the subject had returned home, but had little to say about where he had been.
3. All I remember about the third novel I read is that it was set in South America, and our hero, when asked about what a revolutionary movement should use to begin its campaign, suggests a flame thrower. Not the backpack model, a big one, on a cart. Our here and his new friends then push this damn thing hither and yon through the jungle, at first successful, then ...
That's all I got. You may see a pattern here. Any help?
1. (This is NOT "Lie Down with Lions" by Ken Follett) A SAS guy has the job of clandestinely collecting parts and avionics from HIND helicopters, and a small supply of Redeye missiles (I believe with Israeli markings) to cover his tracks. He occasionally runs across a French nurse who has a different view of things from him.
2. As I recall, another one begins with a police report about a missing British subject who has few friends but is acknowledged as a phenomenal long range target shooter. Interviews with various people indicate that he also has an unusual rifle that has great long range capabilities. The bulk of the novel then shifts to the missing man, who has travelled to Kurd country for reasons that are a bit obscure. He has no military background, but he knows how to use his (then sort of exotic) .338 Lapua rifle to great effect. He also meets up with a female Peshmerga leader who teaches him something about leadership and devotion while fighting Iraqis. The novel ends with a follow up to the police report saying the the subject had returned home, but had little to say about where he had been.
3. All I remember about the third novel I read is that it was set in South America, and our hero, when asked about what a revolutionary movement should use to begin its campaign, suggests a flame thrower. Not the backpack model, a big one, on a cart. Our here and his new friends then push this damn thing hither and yon through the jungle, at first successful, then ...
That's all I got. You may see a pattern here. Any help?