Simviation Forum - W. E. B. Griffin

Jul 10^th, 2003 at 12:55am

Felix/FFDS Offline
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While on the subject of "military fiction" I must add that the Griffin series on the US Army ("The Lieutenants", through "The Generals)" and the Marine Corps.

Like Clancy, Griffin develops characters within the context of the period and events, with great attention to detail.

Felix/FFDS

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Reply #1 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 1:19am

Smoke2much Offline
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I like Flashman. Cowardly upper class English twit who was the bully in the book "Tom Brown's School days". He spends his life narrowly avoiding being killed, running away, being awarded for bravery and bedding anything in a skirt that moves. Very very funny in places.

These Griffen books sound good as well.

Will

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Reply #2 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 5:28am

Whitey Offline
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Derek Robinson is a must read. WW1 and WW2 fiction. 'Piece of Cake', the story of a RAF FC squadron s his masterpiece. Also, try a 'Damned Good Show', the story of a BC squadron in WW2. If you like WW1, 'Hornet Squadron'. Wink

All are about the British, though. Based before the Ameicans even entered WW2.

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Reply #3 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 9:38am

Woodlouse2002 Offline
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Quote:

Derek Robinson is a must read. WW1 and WW2 fiction. 'Piece of Cake', the story of a RAF FC squadron s his masterpiece. Also, try a 'Damned Good Show', the story of a BC squadron in WW2. If you like WW1, 'Hornet Squadron'. Wink

All are about the British, though. Based before the Ameicans even entered WW2.

As a Piece of Cake is a book on a television series I would not be inclined to think that it was too trustworthy in facts and such even if it is a good read. A few good books that i have read are Reach for the Sky which as all you know is the Douglas Bader story, First Light which is a great book by Geoffrey Wellum on his war memoirs from taking part in the Battle of Britain at the age of 18 to taking part in Operation Pedistal as one of the most experianced pilots at the age of 21. Also the Dam Busters and Goodbye Mickey Mouse by Len Deighton.

Woodlouse2002 PITA and BAR!!!!!!!!&&&&Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George the First for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God Save the King.&&&&Viva la revolution!

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Reply #4 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 10:47am

Whitey Offline
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Trust me, Woody...it's top class...it's based on a TV series, OK, but the same guy wrote the TV series. Tongue

Check this out: I first read Derek Robinson's "Piece of Cake" a few years ago, and have since picked it up many times. It is a book which I can safely say is one of my very favourite books and a great read. Following the coming of age of an RAF Fighter Squadron ("Hornet") from the outbreak of WWII up until the climatic drama at the height of the Battle of Britain, "Piece of Cake" is a masterpiece. Like all Robinson's books, the dialogue is unspeakably good, and there is a very black vein of humour which courses throughout. This combined with some simply tragic events has the reader at times caught between laughter and tears, a strange mix but one which probably suits the absurdity of war. The dogfight scenes are brilliantly rendered and perfectly capture the sudden brutality and adrenaline fuelled excitement of these aerial encounters. It sounds clichéd but Robinson really does put the reader in the midst of an RAF squadron in Fighter Command both on the ground in the mess halls and dispersals of RAF air bases, and in the air in the cockpit of a Hawker Hurricane. I cannot recommend this novel enough, five stars just does not do it justice, I'd give it ten if I could.

The characterisation is superb. it is also one of the only two flying novels I have ever read that I have been unable to fault on technical detail. (Len Deighton's 'Bomber' being the other)

Try it, it's only a fiver off Tesco.com. Wink

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Reply #5 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 10:57am

Hagar Offline
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Costa Geriatrica

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Sorry Whitey. My memory might be failing but I remember reading "Piece of Cake" when it was first published & being disappointed. The TV doc-drama it was based on also came in for a lot of criticism from those "in the know". It might be a good thriller but I'm not convinced it's too authentic. "First Light" by Geoffrey Wellum, that Woody mentioned is excellent & I highly recommend it.

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Reply #6 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 4:26pm

Woodlouse2002 Offline
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If on the topic of fiction/fantasy then I really recommend Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Its got guns for those who like em. Fairys for those who like em and a clever yet funny story line.

Woodlouse2002 PITA and BAR!!!!!!!!&&&&Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George the First for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God Save the King.&&&&Viva la revolution!

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Reply #7 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 5:07pm

ozzy72 Offline
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I've just started First Light, and I can't put it down! Its incredible. I really hate Mr. Wellum, he got to fly Tiger Moths, Harvards and Spitfires, and got paid to do this!!! This makes me sick, I'm so green with envy there are no words to describe my jealousy!!
Actually its superbly written, and beautifully detailed, a must have for WWII enthusiasts, in particularly Spitfire nuts......

Ozzy

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #8 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 5:15pm

Woodlouse2002 Offline
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I like jam.
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Quote:

I've just started First Light, and I can't put it down! Its incredible. I really hate Mr. Wellum, he got to fly Tiger Moths, Harvards and Spitfires, and got paid to do this!!! This makes me sick, I'm so green with envy there are no words to describe my jealousy!!
Actually its superbly written, and beautifully detailed, a must have for WWII enthusiasts, in particularly Spitfire nuts......

Ozzy

Not to mention extreemly funny in places.

Woodlouse2002 PITA and BAR!!!!!!!!&&&&Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George the First for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God Save the King.&&&&Viva la revolution!

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Reply #9 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 5:29pm

ozzy72 Offline
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V.True Woodie.
Err aren't you meant to be on holiday? Giving your bottom a break from the royal throne?

Ozzy Grin

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #10 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 5:57pm

Woodlouse2002 Offline
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I like jam.
Cornwall, England

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Ah yes... I leave tomorrow so you'll have to keep the insulting posts away for another 24 hours. Grin

Woodlouse2002 PITA and BAR!!!!!!!!&&&&Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George the First for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God Save the King.&&&&Viva la revolution!

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Reply #11 - Jul 10^th, 2003 at 9:55pm

Iroquois Offline
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I bought Griffin's book "the Soldiers Spies" a while ago but haven't read it yet. I buy books to go on vacation but end up never reading them.

I only pretend to know what I'm talking about. Heck, that's what lawyers, car mechanics, and IT professionals do everyday. Wink

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