My Falkland Days

by Rex Hunt

This is a memoir of the colonial British governor of the Falkland Islands during the British-Argentine Falklands War. The tone is self-congratulatory concerning his actions as well as the British government's role in resisting the "Gestapo-like" Argentines. The majority of the narrative is taken up by the events of the war, although the entirety of Hunt's period as governor is covered. Hunt avoids controversy, toeing Downing Street's line on important issues, but discusses some small bureaucratic infighting. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Popsdoeswork · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book, My Falkland Days, is an autobiography about Sir Rex Hunt, that was The General Governor of Malaysia before Margaret Thatcher made him the Governor of the Falkland Islands. As the new Governor of The Falkland Islands, He becomes The Commander and Chief of the Falkland Islands. He is the supreme commander of all the forces in the Falkland Island. Certain events in the book would drive the British and the Argentines to fight one day on the grounds of the Falklands. Sir Rex Hunt is a person that is hardheaded. Some people may think this could be his downfall, but in reality, it makes him a force to be reckon with in the Falkland’s. His decision making could cost the British forces in the Falklands lose their life’s or save them. Hence, those actions that Sir Rex Hunt will do is because he puts his pride of The Queen before himself, even if it means death.
If you like anything to do with politics, pride, or war, you would love this book to death. This book takes place in 1978 right before the Falkland War begins. This book will go in depth of the war through the eyes of Sir Rex Hunt, which is the governor of the Falkland Islands. The beginning of the book is really, I mean really slow, but after the first 100 pages, wow. After those first 100 pages, you get caught just reading the book until you are final at the end. Sir Rex Hunt uses an enormous vocabulary span, which I don’t even know some of the words, but the worst part is that he uses vocab that only British people know. Like MP, which meant members of parliament, is something I had to look up because that was a British specific term that they use in government. After you get all over that the book is fantastic. It keeps you interested all the way till the end.
I would encourage if you love politics, pride, and war you should go and get this book now. To be honest, it’s one of the best books I have read, and I’ll ask you to go and read this book. It is worth you while.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. It covers Rex Hunt's period as Governor of the Falkland Islands, from his arrival in 1980 to his departure in 1985, and gives a fascinating insight into both the role of Governor and the life of the islands. He covers a tremendous amount of ground, neither going so quickly that the thread is lost nor allowing sections to drag. The book is very well written, sometimes moving, sometimes humorous and always engaging.

I came to this book as a former resident of the Falklands, with a reasonable amount of background experience and understanding, but I think it would also give a good introduction to somebody with no prior knowledge of the islands. It's certainly a great addition to any library on the subject.