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Royal Marine Mark Ormrod was just eight weeks into his tour of duty when he stepped on a landmine that tore off both his legs and his right arm. Told with brutal honesty, this gritty, no-holds barred memoir gives a rare insight into the harrowing world of life as a frontline soldier, and the terrible legacy of war.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

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Mark Ormrod

4 books

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5 stars
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4 stars
27 (27%)
3 stars
13 (13%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Stephen.
628 reviews181 followers
June 19, 2021
Remarkable man who continues to amaze with his determination and what he achieves against all odds.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-d...

The book was a very quick read but you do have to keep referring to the glossary of army terms at the start to understand it. Know that Mark is working on a follow up book and I’ll definitely be reading that too.

PS Reading this will also make you think better of Prince Harry when you read the parts where he features.
Profile Image for Fiona.
8 reviews
October 9, 2011
A great read giving a true insight to life on the front line. Mark Ormrod's positiveness shines through after experiencing something so terrible. Whilst reading this book I found myself crying one minute and then laughing the next. A truly gripping read and one of the best books I have read about the realities of the conflict in Afghanistan. Mark Ormond is an example of a truly inspirational guy who refused to be beaten.
4 reviews
October 24, 2015
This is a well written and highly inspiring book. Reading it really puts life into perspective. It is a demonstration on how you can overcome any barrier life throws at you if you have the right attitude. This is an all round great read and I often refer to it as it wakes me up to reality; that whatever I'm worrying about, undoubtedly somewhere someone has overcome something a lot worse.
Profile Image for Alex Laycock.
159 reviews18 followers
October 11, 2021
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT BOOKS.

and when i read the paragraph how grateful he was that Help for Heroes had raised enough money for a swimming pool at their rehab place,im 100% decided now on that is my chosen charity.

insight of what its like in War plus the wonderful mentality of our Armed Forces.plus the determination of the human spirit and the amazing things medics,physios, prosthetics etc can do
Profile Image for Paula  Jones.
6 reviews
February 10, 2019
Awesome book! An honest and witty account from a man who has such courage and fighting spirit. He encompasses the whole Royal Marines ethos!
1 review
June 29, 2024
Great book from start to finish. Easy to understand. I wanted to read it all in one sitting. Well done Mark you and your colleagues are an inspiration to us all
31 reviews
September 26, 2024
Skim read the interesting parts of a copy in the tea room at work. Better written than I expected, an inspiring story.
10 reviews
January 6, 2025
Inspirational. This is a true hero. He covers every emotion and you feel it with him.
Profile Image for Fiona.
8 reviews
October 9, 2011
A great read giving a true insight to life on the front line. Mark Ormrod's positiveness shines through after experiencing something so terrible. Whilst reading this book I found myself crying one minute and then laughing the next. A truly gripping read and one of the best books I have read about the realities of the conflict in Afghanistan. Mark Ormond is an example of a truly inspirational guy who refused to be beaten.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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