What do you think?
Rate this book
One Unknown: Survivor of the London Bombings
Australian-born Gill Hicks was on her way to work on a Piccadilly line tube train on 7 July 2005 when a terrorist bomb exploded in the carriage in which she was travelling. Amazingly, and against all the odds, she survived the blast, but due to the injuries she sustained her legs had to be amputated. In this moving memoir, Gill recounts the events of that day, from facing the very real prospect that she might die and her subsequent fight to live, to later coming to terms with losing her legs and living life as a disabled person. The book includes excerpts from the diary she wrote during her rehabilitation, an account of her wedding day in December 2005, and traces the journey of her extraordinary recovery.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2007
29 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Want to read
September 20, 2021Gill is talking at my Professional Staff Conference at work tomorrow - I can't wait. I must get to the book. Such a shame it's only on Zoom land. I will get my hands on this quick smart.
November 27, 2016
What an amazingly resilient woman she is. To have both legs blown off then stand up on false ones 5 months later at her wedding. She is always aware that she wants to make doctors nurses etc feel okay and not bring them down. I can't imagine the strength to worry about everyone else in that situation. The book takes you along on her journey. Slightly too long tho. Heartfelt but not well written but it doesn't have to be to tell her incredible story.
April 26, 2012
The first half of this book was gripping, as Gill described "Life One": a young career Australian woman who had had a row with her partner the night before and fuming because she was running late for the job she loved. Trying to save time, she took a train she would normally not have boarded - unfortunatley, at the same time and in the same carriage as the suicide bomber. She gives a vivid account of what it was like when the bomb exploded, the falling into blackness, the twin voices in her head - one coaxing her to give up, the other to stay awake and live. She describes her rescue, her long hospital stay and we meet the staff and her family and friends who play such a vital role in her rehabiliation: her new "Life Two". So much of this book is gripping, interesting and even funny. Gill - as we are often told - has a great sense of humour.
It is during the second part of the book that it loses its edge, and becomes a sugary tale of wonderful people who all become wonderful friends who love her and who she loves, be they ambulance staff, consultants, taxi drivers, even strangers. It is one huge lovefest, page after page after page, and as she tells them on meeting them for the first time: "A Gill is for life, not just for today". "A Gill"?
I have great admiration for the writer and applaud her upbeat take on life, but found it a little self-absorbed in the end. However, the first half certainly inspires and shows the fragility of life and what, in the end, is most important
It is during the second part of the book that it loses its edge, and becomes a sugary tale of wonderful people who all become wonderful friends who love her and who she loves, be they ambulance staff, consultants, taxi drivers, even strangers. It is one huge lovefest, page after page after page, and as she tells them on meeting them for the first time: "A Gill is for life, not just for today". "A Gill"?
I have great admiration for the writer and applaud her upbeat take on life, but found it a little self-absorbed in the end. However, the first half certainly inspires and shows the fragility of life and what, in the end, is most important
November 22, 2013
An amazing account of Gill's journey - from the London bombing, sustaining horrific injuries, but somehow surviving and adapting to her new life, to tell her amazing story. Her strength and positivity are inspirational. Going from the "one unknown" (labelled such when she was admitted to hospital), to someone who is nearly a household name - she shines in every step of her journey. As incredible as her story is, one can't help but think, as well, of those who's stories had such a different ending.
July 3, 2017
This is a lady that courage and a fighting spirit seem an inadequate way to describe her. She was torn apart by a coward who I hope is rotting in hell now but she bears no grudges.
Even though she had both legs blown off she still comes across as a truly amazing human being and the first half of the book was terrific. Unfortunately the second half was a little slow but that is understandable considering the raw power of her account after 7/7 whilst in ICU.
An interesting and unflinching account of her experience although a little over long.
Even though she had both legs blown off she still comes across as a truly amazing human being and the first half of the book was terrific. Unfortunately the second half was a little slow but that is understandable considering the raw power of her account after 7/7 whilst in ICU.
An interesting and unflinching account of her experience although a little over long.
June 10, 2011
Gill Hick’s was ‘blown up’ in the London bombings in July 2005.
I remember reading about it but not thinking about the aftermath. Gill Hicks shows us how she faced death and tried to make her life 'normal' again.
Hicks repeats herself and rambles, but I did empathise with her. She shows that you should never take a moment for granted.
I remember reading about it but not thinking about the aftermath. Gill Hicks shows us how she faced death and tried to make her life 'normal' again.
Hicks repeats herself and rambles, but I did empathise with her. She shows that you should never take a moment for granted.
April 3, 2012
Tells the story of Gill Hicks, an Australian (Adelaide) woman who was critically injured during the 2005 London Tube bombings. Among other injuries she lost both legs, yet manages to not only survive but some may say thrive.
April 10, 2025
Its crazy to think that in just a few months it will be the 20 year anniversary of the London transport bombings. I still have vivid memories of waking up to the news in Australia and how heartbroken and horrified I felt for all those involved.
Years later I watched 60minutes and saw Gill speak about her experience, and on a whim I bought her book, which has been sitting in my bookcase collecting dust ever since.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this beautiful, special book. Gill's incredible story of surviving the bomb is only the start - she then goes on to talk about her experience having to navigate a new life with no legs among her other considerable injuries. Her story could easily be one of anger and "why me's?" but instead she talks about her experience with such positive energy and honestly, it makes you feel so blessed to be alive.
Years later I watched 60minutes and saw Gill speak about her experience, and on a whim I bought her book, which has been sitting in my bookcase collecting dust ever since.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this beautiful, special book. Gill's incredible story of surviving the bomb is only the start - she then goes on to talk about her experience having to navigate a new life with no legs among her other considerable injuries. Her story could easily be one of anger and "why me's?" but instead she talks about her experience with such positive energy and honestly, it makes you feel so blessed to be alive.
October 20, 2017
This was a truly inspirational account of Gill Hicks' two lives. Life one before the bomb and life two, learning to walk, adjust to her lower limbs being amputated. Gill fought for her life and manages to stay positive and upbeat, grateful for the things that remind us we are alive, whether its a raindrop or phantom leg pain. What a marvellous woman. I wish her and her family well.
May 29, 2020
A powerful, moving, poignant, piercing but deeply inspirational and life-affirming read. It is amazing to see how much can be learnt just from the story of a single individual caught up in such horror. Her reflection on life and the motivation to live in the darkest moments is particularly insightful. Well worth a read!
June 14, 2017
What a truely inspirational woman. This book had me laughing and crying, I thoroughly enjoyed Gill's journey
September 2, 2018
Beautiful story
July 16, 2021
Sad story, but has a lot of hope throughout and at the end. 3.2 April.
April 24, 2022
Inspiring
July 12, 2017
Gill's story is awe inspiring. This is the story what it took to fight back after having her legs blown off and nearly dying at the bombing in London July 7th 2005.
Where as most people would be happy to get on with their life after surviving that horrific attack, Gill now campaigns for peace.
Where as most people would be happy to get on with their life after surviving that horrific attack, Gill now campaigns for peace.
January 1, 2013
I cannot fault the tone of this powerful memoir written by Gill Hicks, a victim of the July 7 London transport system bombings in London 2005. Hicks is a very brave person indeed and her memoirs of perseverance and self-belief supported by a strong familial and fantastic medical team make for a very powerful reading experience.
As one would expect, some parts of the memoir are very direct and honest and, at times, I felt this was not reading for the faint hearted. All way throughout the memoir, Hicks comes across as a very honest speaker and shares a lot of detail about her personal experiences. Also Hicks maintains a very neutral political tone throughout and she shares that she felt no personal anger towards the bomber Germaine Lindsay who killed 26 people (not including himself) after detonating a bomb on a tube train in close proximity to the Russell Square underground station in central London.
The injuries Hicks suffered in the blast were horrific and led to both her legs being amputated after being admitted into St Thomas’ hospital London. She writes very much in tribute to those who helped to sustain and rehabilitate her after such acute and life-threatening trauma and I must say that as a reader I felt amazed by their level of care and, of course, by the never ending positive spirit and courage that Hicks herself employs throughout.
It’s ages in fact that I have read such a powerful memoir and a piece of writing that encapsulates how so much ‘far down’ bad can be triumphed by so much sheer uplifting good and this book serves as a reminder of how humanity and the goodness of human spirit can actually win over in so many distressing situations.
I think that the book would be an inspiring read to many people and a true and un-sugary message pervades every page to the tune of ‘live your life in a way that is meaningful to you’.
How can anyone fail to be inspired by this lady? She serves as a testament to the power and courage of the human spirit. Inspirational reading and messages are both offered to all readers from someone (who in her own words) has been given a chance at ‘Life Two’.
As one would expect, some parts of the memoir are very direct and honest and, at times, I felt this was not reading for the faint hearted. All way throughout the memoir, Hicks comes across as a very honest speaker and shares a lot of detail about her personal experiences. Also Hicks maintains a very neutral political tone throughout and she shares that she felt no personal anger towards the bomber Germaine Lindsay who killed 26 people (not including himself) after detonating a bomb on a tube train in close proximity to the Russell Square underground station in central London.
The injuries Hicks suffered in the blast were horrific and led to both her legs being amputated after being admitted into St Thomas’ hospital London. She writes very much in tribute to those who helped to sustain and rehabilitate her after such acute and life-threatening trauma and I must say that as a reader I felt amazed by their level of care and, of course, by the never ending positive spirit and courage that Hicks herself employs throughout.
It’s ages in fact that I have read such a powerful memoir and a piece of writing that encapsulates how so much ‘far down’ bad can be triumphed by so much sheer uplifting good and this book serves as a reminder of how humanity and the goodness of human spirit can actually win over in so many distressing situations.
I think that the book would be an inspiring read to many people and a true and un-sugary message pervades every page to the tune of ‘live your life in a way that is meaningful to you’.
How can anyone fail to be inspired by this lady? She serves as a testament to the power and courage of the human spirit. Inspirational reading and messages are both offered to all readers from someone (who in her own words) has been given a chance at ‘Life Two’.
December 26, 2016
I was inspired to read this after seeing the author speak at a business lunch. The story did not disappoint- inspirational, personal, moving, incredible, positive. But I agree with the other reviewers who have noted that it's a little long and, towards the end, a bit sugary and repetitive. Well worth it though. Well worth it.
March 31, 2011
Gill is an incredibly outstanding woman and this book portrays her ability to overcome a dreadful near death experience in the 7 July 2005 London underground train bomb. Despite losing both her legs, Gill shows her genuine humanitarian side in trying to understand the mindset of the bombers and move forward in an extremely positive manner.
It beggars belief that young men could be so brainwashed by a few senior extremist members of their own culture to generate such a horrific level of hate. That this teaching leads to murder and mutilate a random number of unknown ordinary folk just travelling to work, apparently in the name of the bomber's specific religion, seems to fly in the face of all logic relating to their God.
This book should be read by those who are still prepared to carry out such dreadful acts of terrorism. Perhaps it might help them think through the most horrible consequences to their random group of innocent intended victims and the lifetime aftermath to associated families.
It beggars belief that young men could be so brainwashed by a few senior extremist members of their own culture to generate such a horrific level of hate. That this teaching leads to murder and mutilate a random number of unknown ordinary folk just travelling to work, apparently in the name of the bomber's specific religion, seems to fly in the face of all logic relating to their God.
This book should be read by those who are still prepared to carry out such dreadful acts of terrorism. Perhaps it might help them think through the most horrible consequences to their random group of innocent intended victims and the lifetime aftermath to associated families.
August 21, 2011
It is always inspiring to read about people who face adversity and come through the struggle in a positive way. Gill Hicks' story is certainly inspiring, and her courage, determination and positive attitude is certainly a great model for us all. The first half of the book was better, as Gill describes the immediate aftermath of her injuries in the London Underground bombing, and her initial rehabilitation. However I found the second half of the book loses it's drive, and sinks into a sugary listing of all the people in her life who were "so wonderful", and constant reminders of how "lucky" Gill felt to have such wonderful people around, such "wonderful"experiences and to have such a rich and fulfilled life now. It's great that Gill Hicks feels that way, and I admire her attitude and outlook on life enormously, but it did go on a bit much after a while.
Still a good book to read though, and it certainly makes you think about how any one of us can have our lives changed forever in an instant.
Still a good book to read though, and it certainly makes you think about how any one of us can have our lives changed forever in an instant.
September 11, 2011
So far really good- this was hard to put down. What Gill has done...its unbelieveable and if anyone out there is having a hard time re-kindling their motivation and enthusiasm, or finds themselves unable to look on the bright side of their situation, ID RECOMMEND THIS. Gill Hicks, suffice-to-say, blew up. And got back up. SO, its a real mover. :)
This lady...is so, so strong. :) A lovely read into the struggle of fixing yourself up, and dealing with the consequences- as well as being the best you can be, and seeing things in a newer, brighter (but not self-deluded) way. Makes you feel amazing at the end!
May 11, 2016
A very powerful read. Very difficult to put it down once started, sections are "tear jerkers". This lasses grit and determination not only to survive but to make a difference has to be admired..
Should be compulsory read for the younger generation so they get an insight into life from another angle.
Should be compulsory read for the younger generation so they get an insight into life from another angle.
October 26, 2015
A must read
Gill Hicks recalls the triumph of her survival, recovery and the start of her Life 2 from the London Tube blast. This is a book to make you remember how lucky you are but also there is life still no matter what change happens in your life
Gill Hicks recalls the triumph of her survival, recovery and the start of her Life 2 from the London Tube blast. This is a book to make you remember how lucky you are but also there is life still no matter what change happens in your life
Read
July 27, 2011A fascinating story of the survival and aftermath of the July 7th bombings
September 12, 2012
Was good.
Seemed a little bogged down at times but the overall message was well delivered.
Seemed a little bogged down at times but the overall message was well delivered.
December 4, 2012
As the title says: one woman's inspirational journey. No sensationalism just plain speak about Gill's journey. She is an amazing woman!
December 24, 2012
I read this book in 2 days. Gill is an amazing South Australian who rises above such tragedy. Fantastic read
April 8, 2015
This was a really good read and a truely remarkable story of how one incident can change your perspective on life.
November 6, 2014
What a powerful and inspiring story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews