Ross Kemp on Afghanistan

by Ross Kemp

He has played an East End hardman, an SAS soldier and investigated vicious world gangs. Now Ross Kemp is taking on perhaps his hardest assignment of all - the Taliban. In order to prepare for this life-threatening ordeal, Ross Kemp trains with the First Battalion Royal Anglians in England's subzero temperatures, practicing firing SA 80 rifles and .50 caliber machine guns, getting to know the soldiers and learning the tactics they use to stay alive. Sent with them to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand province, he immerses himself he endures the stifling heat, the constant threat of snipers, RPG attacks, suicide bombers and land mines. In short, he discovers first hand what it's like to fight on the front line. It's the closest he's ever come to dying - bullets fizzing inches from his head as they hit the ground on either side of him. After two harrowing and arduous months Ross returns to England, but there is little relief to be had as he meets the mothers of soldiers killed in the conflict. Then in September 2008 he goes back to the war zone, to see how the men he grew so close to are faring, to check how many of them are still alive. It's a fascinating, horrifying and often moving insight into the brutal reality ordinary soldiers have to face in one of the world's most dangerous and volatile regions.

Genres: Military Fiction, War, Nonfiction, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mark Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ex soldier, I served in northern Ireland, Bosnia and the gulf war. I didn't serve in Afghanistan, I read this book to give me a little in site to the life's of soldiers serving there, and as such I found this book a very good read, it was informative, visiting various bases throughout the country and folkowing patrols whilst there, he wasn't just there for a jolly!
Fair play to Ross Kemp for going to Afghanistan and writing this! must have been a hard thing for a civilian to do.

Defiantly worth a read.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and easy read. I've never been an Eastenders viewer having seen only a few brief moments of any single episode before I surfed right past. I didn't really know anything about author/actor Ross Kemp and my reason for reading was solely due to recommendations of the book.

With this book Ross has provided an insight into the work done by the men and women of the British forces taking part in the war in Afghanistan. The access to and honesty of the troops allowed Ross to provide a fascinating read. The book ranges from the tears of a wife left behind to an RPG whizzing overhead. The writing is first person and since Ross didn't spare himself from any of the real thing, is warts and all. Watch out for both the Splash of a Hellfire and the splash from a Thunderbox.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and created many moments for thought and opened up my mind on what actually happens on the front lines. It's definitely not a place I would like to be. As much inspiration from the job that the troops from various countries can encounter they also experience that much pain and heartache. Ross Kemp has done a great job detailing the experiences he has experienced by being on the front lines with the troops and you walk away with the feeling of almost being there.

[Danny Whatmough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.

Part of me can't help but wonder about the risks un-armed civilians could pose when attached to combat personnel during combat, but I have a lot of respect for Kemp and his crews for being willing to put themselves on the front line without really having any way to protect themselves.
And it's well known how well the show did to inform people about the conditions when we were still in Afghanistan.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that makes it easy for civilians to picture what life is like for ISAF forces on the front lines in Afghanistan: putting up with the constant threat from IED's and the enemy, the harsh living conditions and small salaries. Definitely recommend this to anyone who has spare time on their hands.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read that really gives an incite into the conditions our troops deal with in a war. Written in a way that is extremely readable, straight forward and to the point. Have a lot of respect for the forces anyway, but it's increased ten fold after reading this. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit.

[Michael Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

When first being recommended this book by a friend, I was dubious towards whether Ross Kemp would be a good author, and didn't really feel that there would much enlightening information I would gather from this book. I'm glad to say my predictions were unfounded.

[Alex Laycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed that it was written by a celebrity that did not come across as egoistic,but with the soldiers as the true heroes which they are,oddly despite describing the danger etc it made me want to join the army, I also now see Ross Kemp as a real person not just a tv star

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good you feel as though your at the front lines. I am going to join them in the future and this books really gives me an experince of it!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. He spoke candid and honest through humour. He is a fab writer. Definately recommend him.

[Edwina Laycock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful reading about Afghanistan on the frontline.
Always very interested to read about the history of this country and current affairs too.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A genuine, humble and honest account that makes for an interesting read.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good insight into the life of a solider

[Tom Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a very deep insight into the life of a soldier in Afghanistan. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Tanmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an eye opening read regarding the difficulties in the war torn Afghanistan region. Although this was not very different from other reads about the war, what particularly stuck out to me was the kind of effort and pain that journalists undergo while reporting. I had never really thought about the fact that they need extensive training when they are deployed and are exposed to equally risky situations often made horribly worse carrying equipment etc.
Definitely recommend this read for anyone who is interested in knowing more about the process of getting you your news and documentaries.

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliantly written by a brave man who went tothe front line to explore what life was like

[Helen Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly brings home the futility of war and the risks faced by our young soldiers.

[Reuben Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afghanistan 2007. Very accurate description of what it was like there. Should be read in conjunction with the Tv series

[Kylie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watched the program when it first aired. Reading the book was a great reminder of what he witnessed and felt and it gave a good insight into what life can be like out there.

[Leorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The guy deserves a medal of his own. He didn't have to go or get as stuck in as he did so to me he's a legend. Thank you for showing folks back home what the lads are dealing with. Great read that goes well with both TV series.