A classic for a reason

Once I got used to the language (it's written in what I assume is the vernacular of the period and class of the protagonists) I quickly became invested in the main characters. It's a great story and an indictment of the waste of part of WW1 that is sometimes portrayed as more chivalrous than the ground war.

A fabulous novel.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Thought provoking outstanding novel about WW1 flying

I had previously read a. Biography about the author V M Yeates so I had some insight into this book. As an audible book it is well narrated. The book at points is exciting and occasionally can be a little monotonous. This only reflects what I imagine would have been the experience of the wartime pilots. The discussions between characters about politics were interesting and was easy to liken to some modern issues.
This is an outstanding book and well worth the effort

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Incredible insight in WW1 aerial warfare

What an amazing story; wonderfully written and tragically underscored. Being based on V. M. Yeates' own experiences it is a vivid account of young, very young RFC pilots experiences in WW1. I had read the book years ago but had forgotten how good it is. Obe of those books were you want to know what happpens next but dread findibg out. As an insight ibti the brutality and loneliness of the WW1 fighter pilots war it is inctedible. To be fighting in those open cockpitted planes with no communication with either your comrades around you or your base, the casual acceptance of your fellow pilots disappearing and never knowing what had happened to them...brrr..chilling. The narration is excellent too. Highly recommemd this audio book

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Superb

Brilliant book that puts you in the seat of a Camel fighter in the RFC at the Somme. Made all the better by fantastic narration.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Authentic voice, well told story

Yeates lived this, though the account is fictional, and the writing and style feels very much on point. Yeates covers episodes of terror and ennui interspersed by long periods of boredom lubricated by alcohol and riot as the details in a cover for legalised murder. Such is war. Well worth the listening time

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A remarkable book

This is a skill-fully written book which took me as close as I ever wish to be to a war. Ariel combat during WW1 described as you will not hear it elsewhere. A book combining humour with tragedy, it provokes smiles, thrills and tears. Superb narration. And it’s free! Don’t miss it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wow, what a tragedy

I very nearly gave up on the book in the first 30 seconds because of the narrator’s voice for Williamson. I’m so pleased I didn’t. This book is a tragic work of art steeped with what are clearly real life experiences. Highly recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great period narration, of a superb fictional account based upon real life experience.

if your into aviation history you must read, if your interested in a man's experience in ww1 you must read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Interesting and Historically Accurate

What an interesting story. It unearths some unknown facts about WW1 and brings to light the perspective of the latter stages of the war from the Pilots’ viewpoints. Google Yates as well, it is interesting yet tragic!
What an outstanding author and story. If you have any interest in History then this book is a must read

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A true classic

The author’s ‘voice’ gives away his own real experience as a pilot in the Great War, making this story of war in the air a true classic.

It is up there with All Quiet on the Western Front in that respect.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!