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Monopoli Blues
A remarkable act of imagination and filial homage' William Boyd, New Statesman In November 1944, Sub Lt Bob Clark, a twenty-year old agent with Britain’s top-secret Special Operations Executive, parachuted into northern Italy. He left behind the girl he had fallen in love with, Marjorie, his radio operator. Captured by the enemy, Bob’s fate hung in the balance and Marjorie wouldn't know for six months whether he was alive or dead... Monopoli Blues recounts the story of Tim Clark’s journey to uncover the story of his parents’ war – and the truth behind the betrayal of his father’s Clarion mission to the Nazis.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 18, 2019
The book is clearly the product of painstaking research involving the piecing together of facts from a myriad of sources: contemporary accounts, personal interviews, archive records and historical works. And an unexpected treasure trove that provides a touching insight into the relationship between Tim Clark’s mother and father. I found the accounts of the trips made by Tim in an effort to recreate his father’s journeys particularly compelling.
Along the way, there are portraits of remarkable and colourful characters who served with the SOE; singular individuals whose former experiences ranged from big-game fishing, managing a rubber plantation manager or competing as a world-class athlete. Often the success of operations seems to have been determined by nothing more than charm, ingenuity and bravado – along with, of course, remarkable courage. There’s also fascinating information about the setting up of the SOE and the training of its operatives.
The authors create a compelling picture of the contrast between periods of boredom whilst waiting for operations to commence and intense moments of danger once they’d begun. Often these took place under cover of darkness never very far from the possibility of running into enemy troops and with dire consequences if captured. Not to mention the very chaotic situation they often found on the ground with rival factions of partisans competing for supplies. And one can’t forget the information vacuum endured by those waiting for news of their loved ones.
Monopoli Blues is a touching portrait of a loving relationship, a compelling account of wartime bravery and a fitting commemoration of, as Paddy Ashdown writes in his foreword to the book, ‘perfectly ordinary people’ who did extraordinary things. In its detailed account of SOE operations in Italy the book makes fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in military history and the events of WW2. However, the personal nature of the story makes it accessible to anyone.
Along the way, there are portraits of remarkable and colourful characters who served with the SOE; singular individuals whose former experiences ranged from big-game fishing, managing a rubber plantation manager or competing as a world-class athlete. Often the success of operations seems to have been determined by nothing more than charm, ingenuity and bravado – along with, of course, remarkable courage. There’s also fascinating information about the setting up of the SOE and the training of its operatives.
The authors create a compelling picture of the contrast between periods of boredom whilst waiting for operations to commence and intense moments of danger once they’d begun. Often these took place under cover of darkness never very far from the possibility of running into enemy troops and with dire consequences if captured. Not to mention the very chaotic situation they often found on the ground with rival factions of partisans competing for supplies. And one can’t forget the information vacuum endured by those waiting for news of their loved ones.
Monopoli Blues is a touching portrait of a loving relationship, a compelling account of wartime bravery and a fitting commemoration of, as Paddy Ashdown writes in his foreword to the book, ‘perfectly ordinary people’ who did extraordinary things. In its detailed account of SOE operations in Italy the book makes fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in military history and the events of WW2. However, the personal nature of the story makes it accessible to anyone.
June 20, 2019
When Tim Clark wanted to know more about his parents’ involvement in Special Operation during WWII, he thought it would be a case of simply asking them. His father was not forthcoming with details and his mother very similar. Neither spoke much of their involvement, only odd comments mentioned. The curiosity was sparked, however, but a full conversation would never happen.
After the death of his father, Tim decided to embark on a research journey. It involved travelling, meeting with people and meticulously putting together the story of Monopoli Blues. All the pieces found and placed together like a jigsaw. Now when I say meticulous I really do mean it, dates, places, timelines, photo’s and information is amazing. Given all the information that is included I never once felt overwhelmed. The story that is told is so easy to follow and became very addictive reading.
While the story is one of his parents meeting and their life during the war, it is also one of the unknown, survival and courage. From a solid friendship and relationship followed. The story gives a glimpse into the lives of two people who met during the war.
There are so many things I enjoyed about the story as well as the one about his parents. The photographs, snippets from letters, details of missions and other things that I was unaware of. This is where the background of both Authors helped. Bringing history and journalism together to create a fascinating read.
I found myself on the internet looking at various items that caught my curiosity in the book. I love it when this happens!
This is a fascinating book and it is one that I think lovers of WWII History will enjoy. It was a book I flew through and one I would Definitely Recommend.
After the death of his father, Tim decided to embark on a research journey. It involved travelling, meeting with people and meticulously putting together the story of Monopoli Blues. All the pieces found and placed together like a jigsaw. Now when I say meticulous I really do mean it, dates, places, timelines, photo’s and information is amazing. Given all the information that is included I never once felt overwhelmed. The story that is told is so easy to follow and became very addictive reading.
While the story is one of his parents meeting and their life during the war, it is also one of the unknown, survival and courage. From a solid friendship and relationship followed. The story gives a glimpse into the lives of two people who met during the war.
There are so many things I enjoyed about the story as well as the one about his parents. The photographs, snippets from letters, details of missions and other things that I was unaware of. This is where the background of both Authors helped. Bringing history and journalism together to create a fascinating read.
I found myself on the internet looking at various items that caught my curiosity in the book. I love it when this happens!
This is a fascinating book and it is one that I think lovers of WWII History will enjoy. It was a book I flew through and one I would Definitely Recommend.
October 4, 2018
The description written for Monopoli Blues seems almost prosaic when you consider the story uncovered between its pages: love, courage, tragedy, triumph. Written ‘in plain English’, simply and understated, it evokes the times and the young Pop and Mop living life with a vitality that not even a brutal war could eclipse. Two handshakes remain with me: a father looking out of a window at peacetime celebrations, then seeing his own POW son coming up the street; Pop and Mop at the train station as she arrives to meet his parents. The visuals may be of handshakes but tightening hands suggest to me loved ones who would never willingly let go again. I really enjoyed Monopoli Blues and have nothing but respect, not just for the immense amount of research involved, but also in harnessing it into a beautifully told mix of historical fact and personal memoir. Thanks very much to The Pigeon and the Authors for allowing me the preview.
June 15, 2019
A book of war, danger and courage, this is a non- fiction book which makes a real impact by the power of its truth. It shows how a son and his supporters can track down the record of a man whose experiences in war are complex and awe inspiring, with the help of the woman who worked behind the scenes in the same theatre of war. These two people are remarkable in every way, in their bravery and commitment to each other during so many courageous acts, and ultimately their modesty in revealing the story to those who came afterwards. As Tim Clark, their son, seeks to discover the truth from the people who remember and the limited paperwork that survives, he visits some of the places where his parents spent the most significant part of their war, and experience the events that may well have shaped the battle for Italy. This is a book of almost unbelievable bravery, ability and missions that would challenge the most experienced warrior, undertaken by a twenty year old agent. Meanwhile, a young woman who received so many notes of his feelings was fighting in her own way, maintaining the communications that saved lives, living in a disputed territory. At stake was not only the immediate battle but the fate of a country teetering on the edge of civil war. This book is a well timed reminder that when so much was at stake, the fate of many lives was in the hands of young people like this couple. I was pleased to be asked to read and review this cogently written book.
This book begins with the gradual revelation of a story. As objects and documents are discovered, including weapons, the author realises that his father, Bob Clark, has far more to tell about his wartime experiences. It is not a straightforward process to gather the truth; as with many of his parents’ generation, comments and episodes slip out, people are mentioned, contexts hinted at rather than a narrative with a beginning, middle and end. Attendance at Special Forces reunions, close friends of the same age who know some things, and the occasional session of openness for a specific event give tantalising glimpses of a story of battles and missions. While the family are told a little, at the time of his father’s death Tim is left with only five pages of notes of actual facts , and it is from this he must track down more details to flesh out the bare bones of an incredible truth. While he is ingafatible in his hunting through the National Archives and following slim leads, it is only when his mother’s memories and collection of notes and letters appear that he can begin to plot the whereabouts of his parents as the British forces invaded and made good their progress in Italy. As the Germans pulled back they still committed outrages against civilians, and fought to keep their influence in the country.
As the letters between his parents emerge, the quick events of life and death in the area are emphasised. Bob wrote “Everything in the world goes right when I am with you. I have never felt so happy as when I was with you.” In the dozens of names in this book, in the sometimes confusing descriptions of times and places, the love of these two young people shines through. I must admit there were times that I wished for more words between the facts, as I was left in no doubt that every name, place, piece of equipment was researched and verified. However, this book represents a tireless search by Tim Clark for the story of his parents first meeting, getting together, and loyal support even when there was some doubt. Together with Cook, Clark’s exhaustive search, visits to the sites and meeting with those who survive have contributed to an incredible record in this book of lives lived in the heat of war. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the work of the Special Operations Executive in Italy, as it is a source of much information and interest.
This book begins with the gradual revelation of a story. As objects and documents are discovered, including weapons, the author realises that his father, Bob Clark, has far more to tell about his wartime experiences. It is not a straightforward process to gather the truth; as with many of his parents’ generation, comments and episodes slip out, people are mentioned, contexts hinted at rather than a narrative with a beginning, middle and end. Attendance at Special Forces reunions, close friends of the same age who know some things, and the occasional session of openness for a specific event give tantalising glimpses of a story of battles and missions. While the family are told a little, at the time of his father’s death Tim is left with only five pages of notes of actual facts , and it is from this he must track down more details to flesh out the bare bones of an incredible truth. While he is ingafatible in his hunting through the National Archives and following slim leads, it is only when his mother’s memories and collection of notes and letters appear that he can begin to plot the whereabouts of his parents as the British forces invaded and made good their progress in Italy. As the Germans pulled back they still committed outrages against civilians, and fought to keep their influence in the country.
As the letters between his parents emerge, the quick events of life and death in the area are emphasised. Bob wrote “Everything in the world goes right when I am with you. I have never felt so happy as when I was with you.” In the dozens of names in this book, in the sometimes confusing descriptions of times and places, the love of these two young people shines through. I must admit there were times that I wished for more words between the facts, as I was left in no doubt that every name, place, piece of equipment was researched and verified. However, this book represents a tireless search by Tim Clark for the story of his parents first meeting, getting together, and loyal support even when there was some doubt. Together with Cook, Clark’s exhaustive search, visits to the sites and meeting with those who survive have contributed to an incredible record in this book of lives lived in the heat of war. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the work of the Special Operations Executive in Italy, as it is a source of much information and interest.
June 16, 2019
I found this to be a wonderful book, it’s how history of war should be written from the personal lives and experiences of ordinary men and women in sometimes extraordinary circumstances.
This is beautifully written and captures the emotions and atmosphere of the time. It shows just how war affected those involved, the fear and suffering they experienced and then kept it all bottled up to protect those around them.
This is an epic story of love, bravery, humility, war and betrayal. This will bring tears to your eyes more than once as Bob and Marjorie capture your heart. Totally spellbinding and magnificent…..a must read.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
This is beautifully written and captures the emotions and atmosphere of the time. It shows just how war affected those involved, the fear and suffering they experienced and then kept it all bottled up to protect those around them.
This is an epic story of love, bravery, humility, war and betrayal. This will bring tears to your eyes more than once as Bob and Marjorie capture your heart. Totally spellbinding and magnificent…..a must read.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
February 7, 2021
This was a wonderful and highly researched history of Tim Clark's parents actions during WW2.
I found this fascinating and really enjoyable to read.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC all views are my own.
I found this fascinating and really enjoyable to read.
Many thanks to Netgalley for this ARC all views are my own.
July 29, 2019
MONOPOLI BLUES; A TRUE AND MOVING NARRATIVE
Monopoli Blues is a book that will stay for me a long time. Non-fiction, it is the true story of how 19 year old Bob Clark was recruited to become an agent with Britain’s top-secret Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War Two, how on a mission he was parachuted into northern Italy, and eventually captured by the enemy.
It is also the story of how Bob fell in love with Marjorie, who at the age of 17 was recruited to the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) and sent to Monopoli in Italy to become a radio operator for SOE. It is a touching narrative of how their love developed ‘out of a special friendship forged by the circumstances in which they had found themselves in‘ which involved ‘sitting on the harbour wall, drinking gin and talking for hours into the winter nights.’ To read my full review, go to: https://noveldelights.com/2019/06/17/...
Monopoli Blues is a book that will stay for me a long time. Non-fiction, it is the true story of how 19 year old Bob Clark was recruited to become an agent with Britain’s top-secret Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War Two, how on a mission he was parachuted into northern Italy, and eventually captured by the enemy.
It is also the story of how Bob fell in love with Marjorie, who at the age of 17 was recruited to the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) and sent to Monopoli in Italy to become a radio operator for SOE. It is a touching narrative of how their love developed ‘out of a special friendship forged by the circumstances in which they had found themselves in‘ which involved ‘sitting on the harbour wall, drinking gin and talking for hours into the winter nights.’ To read my full review, go to: https://noveldelights.com/2019/06/17/...
October 1, 2018
In 1944,- Bob,,a twenty year old is parachuted in to Northern Italy, here he falls in love with Marjorie, his radio op Minoerator , Not long later, he is captured, Monopoliblues ,,is exciting, and tense, it's also a love story, related by Bob's son Tim.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews