I have mentioned before my love of the podcast The Rest Is Entertainment with Marina Hyde and Richard Osman. I enjoy their recommendations of entertainment delights that may not have previously hit my radar. In this instance, it was a book called The Accidental Soldier by Owain Mulligan – here’s some more information about it:

Book Description
A searingly honest and darkly funny account of what it was really like being in the British Army in Iraq (including all the bits they probably hoped you’d never find out).

About the Author
Born in London in 1982, Owain Mulligan grew up in the UK and Germany, read history at Oxford, followed by about eleven minutes as north London’s worst teacher before mobilisation with the Territorial Army for a tour of Iraq in 2006. He then spent 3 years in government service, before rejoining the Army in 2010 for 18 months’ language training and two tours of Afghanistan attached to UK Special Forces. He completed an MBA in 2014 and has spent the last 10 years as a management consultant. He lives in London with his wife and two children, who make Iraq and Afghanistan seem like an afternoon at the bowls.

Review
This book is absolutely incredible. It made me laugh more than any book in so many years. I found the writing just so unbelievably brilliant and hilarious and affecting. I realised it was brilliant within three or four pages. I am crazy about it as you can see! ― Marina Hyde

I loved it . . . relentlessly funny and really well written ― John Oliver

Authentic and compulsive ― Richard E. Grant

A fascinating insight into the often farcical chaos and catastrophe of war. Reads like a non-fiction Catch-22. Compelling, enlightening and bleakly funny. A jaw-dropping read. ― Matt Haig

An instant classic – a deeply funny and mordant book about war. ― Richard Curtis

In a time of global conflict, The Accidental Soldier catapults you into the heart of active duty. Terrifying, exhilarating, life-shattering and profoundly sobering, Mulligan takes you through the clumsy brutality and “raging bin-fire” of war, witnessing the quiet heroism of its foot soldiers. This book is a fitting and vital memorial to all those lost. I could not put it down. — Abi Morgan

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the start. It’s really well written – and in a self deprecating and amusing style from the off. The descriptions of life in Iraq are brilliant – and the camaraderie between the soldiers is great. A family member was also involved in similar tours – although not quite as front line – but it really brought it to life for me, and reminded me of things I’d forgotten (like complete radio silence when there had been a death, so that the family of the victim could be notified before it was accidentally revealed by someone else).

I loved the insights into regular Army vs Territorial Army life (in the acronyms beloved of the British Armed Services, the author was known as a STAB – Stupid Territorial Army B*stard!) and the way the showing / sharing of emotions were shown between the soldiers.

It was witty and warm – but equally very moving at times, and eloquently portrayed some of the frustrations of the people on the ground with the decision makers higher up the ranks.

I don’t often read non fiction – but am delighted Marina pointed me in the direction of this fabulous book.