My Friend the Mercenary

De: James Brabazon

Narrado por: James Brabazon

James Brabazon is narrating this story of war, violence, and political intrigue. He wanted a war. And, for his sins, he got one. James Brabazon was an ambitious young war reporter when he entered the chaos of the Liberian Civil War in 2002. Running with the infamous LURD rebels, he survived numerous deadly ambushes, the privations of dysentery and a dramatic hundred-mile escape from Government troops through dense equatorial jungle. He even had a bounty put on his head.

Surrounded largely by child soldiers high on drugs, Brabazon was accompanied by Nick du Toit, a South African mercenary with a dark past. They quickly became best friends. Before long, Nick promised James the scoop of his life: a front seat, beside Simon Mann, in an audacious coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea. And the offer was too good to refuse.…

©2010 James Brabazon (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Reseñas de la Crítica

“An outstanding memoir about the power of friendship in the morally complex theatre of war. James Brabazon is a fearless reporter and a brutally honest narrator. I couldn't put this book down.” (Andy McNab)

Well written and performed.

Brought back memories of my past relationships while in the military. Well worth the listen.

Awesome

Very well done , I always wanted to know the story about Nick and now I know. Thanks for penning this important journey.

War reporting at its finest!

This has to be one of the best 1st person accounts of West African conflict. Once you start this story, you can only see it to the end. Good luck!

Solid performance, slow second half

I really enjoyed this book overall. A good story recounting the tale of a man's experience filming war with another man he doesn't know and soon befriends due to their living situation in Liberia. The writing is raw and poetic and gives a vivid description of what life in wartime Africa truly is from behind the lens of a journalist.

The only thing I didn't care for was the second half of the book's emphasis on minutiae. Without spoilers, the author goes into extreme detail about operations that I found to be pretty dull. He recounts it from a third person perspective instead of his own. It lacks the much of the emotional flare of the first half of the book where his writing reflects his own personal point of view. By the end of the book, I was actually nostalgic for the first half when he talks about his excursion to Liberia.

But, complaints aside, I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in mercenary work and war time journalism. I think Brabazon is good writer and narrator.

Couldn't stop listening

Loved this book and all the detail, the narration is perfect. I would recommend this to anyone.

Gripping

This is a truly fantastic book. I was totally bowled over by the story and couldn't stop listening. There's not much more to say, really, except that I recommend this book very, very highly.

amazingly researched and told

so well written and gripping disregarded parts of my life to finish. loved how it told the story of west Africa.

Cool

Loved this book. The performance was not my favorite, but good enough. Highly recommend!

A great adventure

I loved this book, to be honest,, it's taken me a while to finish it. it's a slow read in the beginning bit things pick up and its a lot more complex then I thought it would be. James has a hell of story to tell.

The best book I have aborbed in years

What made the experience of listening to My Friend the Mercenary the most enjoyable?

The best part about this audiobook, in my opinion, is that James Brabazon reads it himself. You feel so much closer to the experience with the author reading it. He is telling his story. I loved that approach. More authors should read their own work for audible.com.

What did you like best about this story?

That a strong relationship forms between a young journalist who never really had a father an older mercenary who has a son but was never really was there for him growing up. James Brabazon and Nick du Toit take the place of the opposite's absent father and son. Nick, the father, the protector, the experienced one. James, the son, the motivator, the curious one. Very strong subtext in this story.

Which scene was your favorite?

All the adventures they experience in the jungles of Liberia. Also when 30 year old Brigadier-General Deku says goodbye to James. "We are ready. And we're prepared." A very powerful scene.

If you could give My Friend the Mercenary a new subtitle, what would it be?

By any means necessary.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to listening to more book written and read by Mr James Brabazon. Bravo James, this book was phenomenal! Thank you!