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The Accidental Soldier: 'Deeply funny' RICHARD CURTIS
The Times / Sunday Times Audiobooks of the Year
'This mordantly funny everyman military memoir should appeal to fans of Adam Kay's This Is Going To Hurt. The author, the brother of the actress Carey Mulligan, is donating royalties to the charity War Child.'
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'An instant classic' - RICHARD CURTIS
'A non-fiction Catch-22' - MATT HAIG
'Made me laugh more than any book in so many years' - MARINA HYDE
Readers are LOVING The Accidental Soldier:
'One of the funniest books you will ever read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I absolutely loved it - it's so very funny but also very poignant in parts. I can't recommend it enough' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Very funny, thought-provoking and a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I've spent 15 years waiting for a book which entertainingly brings to life the humour, mundanity & absurdity of serving in Iraq . . . Thankfully this is that book and it is excellent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Owain Mulligan was never what you'd call a career soldier. Nor even a particularly good one. At weekends he trained with the Territorial Army and dreamt of swapping the mayhem of teaching in a tough school for the adventure of service in Iraq. At least they'd let him wear a helmet in Iraq.
But when the job in headquarters he's been expecting doesn't materialise, he finds himself on the streets of Basra during one of the most violent periods of the conflict. Between homicidal militias, a chain of command who seem determined to get him killed, and equipment which might well do it for them, he and his men have their work cut out. It certainly puts double geography with 9E into perspective.
The Accidental Soldier is 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). We share all the hardships, fears, and occasional lunacy of military life as Owain and his men try to navigate a war gone badly wrong. One thing's for sure; you'll never look at the phrase 'military precision' in quite the same way again...
------
'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 am crazy about it!' - 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
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100% of the author's royalty earnings (expected to be at least £20,000) from sales of the book in the UK & Commonwealth will be given to War Child (a registered charity, charity number 1071659) and its wholly owned subsidiary War Child Trading Limited (a registered company, company number 05100189).
'This mordantly funny everyman military memoir should appeal to fans of Adam Kay's This Is Going To Hurt. The author, the brother of the actress Carey Mulligan, is donating royalties to the charity War Child.'
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'An instant classic' - RICHARD CURTIS
'A non-fiction Catch-22' - MATT HAIG
'Made me laugh more than any book in so many years' - MARINA HYDE
Readers are LOVING The Accidental Soldier:
'One of the funniest books you will ever read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I absolutely loved it - it's so very funny but also very poignant in parts. I can't recommend it enough' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Very funny, thought-provoking and a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I've spent 15 years waiting for a book which entertainingly brings to life the humour, mundanity & absurdity of serving in Iraq . . . Thankfully this is that book and it is excellent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-------
Owain Mulligan was never what you'd call a career soldier. Nor even a particularly good one. At weekends he trained with the Territorial Army and dreamt of swapping the mayhem of teaching in a tough school for the adventure of service in Iraq. At least they'd let him wear a helmet in Iraq.
But when the job in headquarters he's been expecting doesn't materialise, he finds himself on the streets of Basra during one of the most violent periods of the conflict. Between homicidal militias, a chain of command who seem determined to get him killed, and equipment which might well do it for them, he and his men have their work cut out. It certainly puts double geography with 9E into perspective.
The Accidental Soldier is 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). We share all the hardships, fears, and occasional lunacy of military life as Owain and his men try to navigate a war gone badly wrong. One thing's for sure; you'll never look at the phrase 'military precision' in quite the same way again...
------
'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 am crazy about it!' - 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
------
100% of the author's royalty earnings (expected to be at least £20,000) from sales of the book in the UK & Commonwealth will be given to War Child (a registered charity, charity number 1071659) and its wholly owned subsidiary War Child Trading Limited (a registered company, company number 05100189).
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 1, 2025
I usually speed audiobooks up a bit, but I just wanted to slow this one down as much as possible to listen longer.
Owain Mulligan has written a brutally honest but hilarious account of his time in Iraq in 2006.
You will not hear gruesome retellings of horrific deaths, but you will laugh out loud at Owain's mistakes, and at the British Army...
You will also, however, hear the words of a man who really cared about the men with whom he served; and the ordinary Iraqis whose lives were turned upside down by their presence. Owain's frustration really comes through at times, and some events described were shameful, but these need to be known.
I cannot recommend this book enough - but do listen to the audiobook if you are able to.
Owain Mulligan has written a brutally honest but hilarious account of his time in Iraq in 2006.
You will not hear gruesome retellings of horrific deaths, but you will laugh out loud at Owain's mistakes, and at the British Army...
You will also, however, hear the words of a man who really cared about the men with whom he served; and the ordinary Iraqis whose lives were turned upside down by their presence. Owain's frustration really comes through at times, and some events described were shameful, but these need to be known.
I cannot recommend this book enough - but do listen to the audiobook if you are able to.
June 3, 2025
Fabulous book, in turns shocking and laugh out loud funny, gives a real insight into the folly that was our time in Iraq, and paints a very poor picture of our military leaders at the same time.
August 24, 2025
Funniest book I’ve read!
September 3, 2025
(Audiobook). This was great. Honest, thoughtful and very very funny. Bonus points for the author narrating his own book for the audiobook and doing the writing justice.
May 20, 2025
A Darkly Hilarious and Unflinchingly Honest War Memoir
Owain Mulligan’s The Accidental Soldier is a masterclass in blending biting humor with the sobering realities of war. Based on his own experiences as a Territorial Army officer unexpectedly deployed to Basra during one of the most volatile periods of the Iraq War, Mulligan delivers a memoir that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is deeply affecting. 
Mulligan’s writing is sharp, self-deprecating, and refreshingly candid. He recounts the absurdities of military bureaucracy, the chaos of combat, and the camaraderie among soldiers with a wit that has drawn comparisons to Catch-22. As Matt Haig aptly describes, it reads like a “non-fiction Catch-22” .  
What sets this memoir apart is its balance of humor and heart. Mulligan doesn’t shy away from the grim aspects of war but presents them through a lens that highlights the resilience and humanity of those involved. His narrative is both entertaining and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on the British Army’s role in Iraq. 
The book has garnered praise from notable figures: Richard Curtis calls it “an instant classic,” while Marina Hyde lauds it as “absolutely incredible” . Moreover, Mulligan’s decision to donate all his UK and Commonwealth royalties to War Child adds a commendable layer of purpose to his work .  
In summary, The Accidental Soldier is a compelling read that offers both hearty laughs and poignant insights. It’s a standout addition to contemporary war literature and a testament to Mulligan’s storytelling prowess.
Owain Mulligan’s The Accidental Soldier is a masterclass in blending biting humor with the sobering realities of war. Based on his own experiences as a Territorial Army officer unexpectedly deployed to Basra during one of the most volatile periods of the Iraq War, Mulligan delivers a memoir that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is deeply affecting. 
Mulligan’s writing is sharp, self-deprecating, and refreshingly candid. He recounts the absurdities of military bureaucracy, the chaos of combat, and the camaraderie among soldiers with a wit that has drawn comparisons to Catch-22. As Matt Haig aptly describes, it reads like a “non-fiction Catch-22” .  
What sets this memoir apart is its balance of humor and heart. Mulligan doesn’t shy away from the grim aspects of war but presents them through a lens that highlights the resilience and humanity of those involved. His narrative is both entertaining and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on the British Army’s role in Iraq. 
The book has garnered praise from notable figures: Richard Curtis calls it “an instant classic,” while Marina Hyde lauds it as “absolutely incredible” . Moreover, Mulligan’s decision to donate all his UK and Commonwealth royalties to War Child adds a commendable layer of purpose to his work .  
In summary, The Accidental Soldier is a compelling read that offers both hearty laughs and poignant insights. It’s a standout addition to contemporary war literature and a testament to Mulligan’s storytelling prowess.
April 26, 2025
I listened to this read by the author, and as with all biography, I think that's the best way to do it.
I was predisposed to skepticism, but it's an interesting insight into the kind of person who volunteers for this kinda thing.
It's clear-eyed on the madness of it all and he's surprisingly class conscious for an Oxbridge part-time officer turned Bain consultant.
It's fairly diaristic but well written, overall I enjoyed it, and leaving aside that all the proceeds of the book go to charity, he comes across as genuinely caring.
I was predisposed to skepticism, but it's an interesting insight into the kind of person who volunteers for this kinda thing.
It's clear-eyed on the madness of it all and he's surprisingly class conscious for an Oxbridge part-time officer turned Bain consultant.
It's fairly diaristic but well written, overall I enjoyed it, and leaving aside that all the proceeds of the book go to charity, he comes across as genuinely caring.
October 16, 2025
Incredibly funny, vulnerable and honest. I loved this, particularly on audiobook. Mulligan doesn’t shy away from the monumental error of the Iraq war whilst simultaneously managing to honour every service person.
September 2, 2025
Would give 6 stars if possible. Very good
May 18, 2025
This memoir by Owain Mulligan offers a fascinating look at the author's unexpected active service in the Iraq War. The Accidental Soldier is right. Mulligan never imagined he’d be serving in a war, but anything was better than another day teaching.
This isn't a heroic narrative but rather an account of an ordinary individual navigating the extraordinary and chaotic reality of war which takes the reader into the day-to-day life of a soldier in Iraq: the stifling heat, the constant tension, the camaraderie forged in the face of danger, and the moments of unexpected humour that punctuate the grim reality. The descriptions of the landscape, interactions with the locals are authentic and insightful. He is forthright about his confusion, fear, and the sheer absurdity that permeates war.
The Accidental Soldier is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a poignant reminder of the personal cost of conflict. If you're looking for an honest, unvarnished, and human account of the Iraq War, this memoir is a compelling read.
4/5
Owain Mulligan was never what you'd call a career soldier. Nor even a particularly good one. At weekends he trained with the Territorial Army and dreamt of swapping the mayhem of teaching in a tough school for the adventure of service in Iraq. At least they'd let him wear a helmet in Iraq.
But when the job in headquarters he's been expecting doesn't materialise, he finds himself on the streets of Basra during one of the most violent periods of the conflict. Between homicidal militias, a chain of command who seem determined to get him killed, and equipment which might well do it for them, he and his men have their work cut out. It certainly puts double geography with 9E into perspective.
The Accidental Soldier is 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). We share all the hardships, fears, and occasional lunacy of military life as Owain and his men try to navigate a war gone badly wrong. One thing's for sure; you'll never look at the phrase 'military precision' in quite the same way again...
This isn't a heroic narrative but rather an account of an ordinary individual navigating the extraordinary and chaotic reality of war which takes the reader into the day-to-day life of a soldier in Iraq: the stifling heat, the constant tension, the camaraderie forged in the face of danger, and the moments of unexpected humour that punctuate the grim reality. The descriptions of the landscape, interactions with the locals are authentic and insightful. He is forthright about his confusion, fear, and the sheer absurdity that permeates war.
The Accidental Soldier is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a poignant reminder of the personal cost of conflict. If you're looking for an honest, unvarnished, and human account of the Iraq War, this memoir is a compelling read.
4/5
Owain Mulligan was never what you'd call a career soldier. Nor even a particularly good one. At weekends he trained with the Territorial Army and dreamt of swapping the mayhem of teaching in a tough school for the adventure of service in Iraq. At least they'd let him wear a helmet in Iraq.
But when the job in headquarters he's been expecting doesn't materialise, he finds himself on the streets of Basra during one of the most violent periods of the conflict. Between homicidal militias, a chain of command who seem determined to get him killed, and equipment which might well do it for them, he and his men have their work cut out. It certainly puts double geography with 9E into perspective.
The Accidental Soldier is 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). We share all the hardships, fears, and occasional lunacy of military life as Owain and his men try to navigate a war gone badly wrong. One thing's for sure; you'll never look at the phrase 'military precision' in quite the same way again...
August 7, 2025
A book about a British officer's tour of duty in post-invasion Iraq has no right being this hilarious. I picked it up (surprised somewhat, given it's 2025) expecting a companion piece to Rory Stewart's view from the governor's office in his Iraq memoir Occupational Hazards, but it turned out to be rather different. This is the chaotic, raw, and hilarious truth from inside a cramped armoured vehicle.
Mulligan is brutally honest about one aspect: almost nobody has a clue what they were doing. That confusion is channelled into a dark barrack room humour that is probably necessary as a coping mechanism. It also highlights the absurdity of it all.
One sees how the antagonism from the side of the occupiers/liberators (delete appropriately) had developed. One empathises, even to the point of finding an officer's exasperated comment about the local Iraqi population in Basra, "I mean the heat is bad, but good grief, the people", rather funny. This frank offhand comment broadcast over the regiment's radio might be worth a chapter of political analysis.
But that same honesty turns terrifying when in one of the following chapters a strike op is taking place, the narrator's major and embarrassing screw-up jeopardises the lives of his fellow soldiers, in one of the most intense scenes I have ever read.
I like this because unlike in a polished novel nothing ever wraps up neatly. Patrols fizzle out and situations are left unresolved, giving the book an "untidy" authenticity.
All in all, it is the messy, funny, and the terrifying truth of the war from the ground up.
Mulligan is brutally honest about one aspect: almost nobody has a clue what they were doing. That confusion is channelled into a dark barrack room humour that is probably necessary as a coping mechanism. It also highlights the absurdity of it all.
One sees how the antagonism from the side of the occupiers/liberators (delete appropriately) had developed. One empathises, even to the point of finding an officer's exasperated comment about the local Iraqi population in Basra, "I mean the heat is bad, but good grief, the people", rather funny. This frank offhand comment broadcast over the regiment's radio might be worth a chapter of political analysis.
But that same honesty turns terrifying when in one of the following chapters a strike op is taking place, the narrator's major and embarrassing screw-up jeopardises the lives of his fellow soldiers, in one of the most intense scenes I have ever read.
I like this because unlike in a polished novel nothing ever wraps up neatly. Patrols fizzle out and situations are left unresolved, giving the book an "untidy" authenticity.
All in all, it is the messy, funny, and the terrifying truth of the war from the ground up.
November 23, 2025
The Accidental Soldier by Owain Mulligan
I picked up this book hoping to gain insight into what life was like for a soldier in Basra, as I haven’t read much about this part of the war. At first, the author’s humour made me smile and even amused me. However, as the chapters went on, I found the tone increasingly facetious and, frankly, tiring. I wasn’t looking for a book that trivialised everything—I wanted a serious account of army life, not something that felt like a script for a stand-up act. Perhaps this is simply how Owain Mulligan and others cope with intense situations.
The book reads very much like a diary, moving through dates and detailing what happened each day. It begins with Mulligan as a schoolteacher in Enfield and offers some insight into why he left teaching to join the army. From there, it covers his training, his first encounters with his squadron, and their journey navigating the challenges in Basra. He also touches on equipment and vehicles, highlighting how inadequate much of it was.
I found the book difficult to engage with and probably would have abandoned it if it hadn’t been chosen for our book club. That said, I genuinely enjoyed the last three chapters and the epilogue—they were the most insightful and thought-provoking parts of the book.
Perhaps the book isn’t as bad as I’ve made it sound, but it wasn’t what I hoped or expected. Interestingly, I could see this story working well as a TV series in the style of MASH—and in that format, it might be excellent.
I picked up this book hoping to gain insight into what life was like for a soldier in Basra, as I haven’t read much about this part of the war. At first, the author’s humour made me smile and even amused me. However, as the chapters went on, I found the tone increasingly facetious and, frankly, tiring. I wasn’t looking for a book that trivialised everything—I wanted a serious account of army life, not something that felt like a script for a stand-up act. Perhaps this is simply how Owain Mulligan and others cope with intense situations.
The book reads very much like a diary, moving through dates and detailing what happened each day. It begins with Mulligan as a schoolteacher in Enfield and offers some insight into why he left teaching to join the army. From there, it covers his training, his first encounters with his squadron, and their journey navigating the challenges in Basra. He also touches on equipment and vehicles, highlighting how inadequate much of it was.
I found the book difficult to engage with and probably would have abandoned it if it hadn’t been chosen for our book club. That said, I genuinely enjoyed the last three chapters and the epilogue—they were the most insightful and thought-provoking parts of the book.
Perhaps the book isn’t as bad as I’ve made it sound, but it wasn’t what I hoped or expected. Interestingly, I could see this story working well as a TV series in the style of MASH—and in that format, it might be excellent.
July 1, 2025
This was an excellent listen on Audible. I choose it after hearing Richard Osman (author of The Thursday Murder Club) recommend it on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and fully endorse Mr Osman’s recommendation. It provides an insightful, funny, and poignant portrayal of life in the British forces during the occupation of Iraq post-9/11. The narrative flows effortlessly, punctuated by continous, genuine humour. Definitely worth a read, you’ll be entertained, informed, and enlightened.
Review by Scott Lee Evans
Author of The Time Diary
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Diary.....
The Time Diary is a British sci-fi comedy adventure about the terrible misfortunes of discovering time travel. The hapless gang at the centre of the story not only find themselves in a mess of tangled timelines, absurd moral dilemmas, universe altering decisions, and ruined relationships, but they also learn the true meaning of selfloathing. Are you actually a good person, or have you just never been given the chance to be an utter bar steward?
If you’re a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Red Dwarf, or Black Mirror and enjoy cringey British humour, roguish misfits, and the occasional dollop of heart (not too much, mind, they are Brits, after all), then this might just be the next book for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and fully endorse Mr Osman’s recommendation. It provides an insightful, funny, and poignant portrayal of life in the British forces during the occupation of Iraq post-9/11. The narrative flows effortlessly, punctuated by continous, genuine humour. Definitely worth a read, you’ll be entertained, informed, and enlightened.
Review by Scott Lee Evans
Author of The Time Diary
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Diary.....
The Time Diary is a British sci-fi comedy adventure about the terrible misfortunes of discovering time travel. The hapless gang at the centre of the story not only find themselves in a mess of tangled timelines, absurd moral dilemmas, universe altering decisions, and ruined relationships, but they also learn the true meaning of selfloathing. Are you actually a good person, or have you just never been given the chance to be an utter bar steward?
If you’re a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Red Dwarf, or Black Mirror and enjoy cringey British humour, roguish misfits, and the occasional dollop of heart (not too much, mind, they are Brits, after all), then this might just be the next book for you.
October 18, 2025
Listened to as an audiobook as I'm getting back to the long runs. I chose it in about 2 minutes when I realized I'd finished my previous book and was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Really brilliantly written, as a memoir from his time in the Iraq war a reservist officer, it really clearly details his whole attitude from signing up due to hating his day job as a teacher, to the near permeant feeling of being under prepared, scared and having a responsibility beyond him, it is, as always, reassuring to see that people who appear put together, well organized and comfortable across situations can be chaotic on the inside. The author frequently recognizes his junior position throughout, never claiming to be what he's not, and relying heavily on humour. The ending sentiment about his squadron, his attachment to them and the strong bond built in only 6 months, before never seeing any of them again was moving and shows what he was there to do, turn up, do a job, and move on.
10/10 really enjoyed and makes you think
Really brilliantly written, as a memoir from his time in the Iraq war a reservist officer, it really clearly details his whole attitude from signing up due to hating his day job as a teacher, to the near permeant feeling of being under prepared, scared and having a responsibility beyond him, it is, as always, reassuring to see that people who appear put together, well organized and comfortable across situations can be chaotic on the inside. The author frequently recognizes his junior position throughout, never claiming to be what he's not, and relying heavily on humour. The ending sentiment about his squadron, his attachment to them and the strong bond built in only 6 months, before never seeing any of them again was moving and shows what he was there to do, turn up, do a job, and move on.
10/10 really enjoyed and makes you think
May 7, 2025
War. Huh. What is is good for? Absolutely nothing.
And ain't that the truth.
In this excellent humorous and revealing account of life on the fronline for soldier Owain Mulligan, the futility of war is exposed. Our troops who were sent to Iraq to stabilise the country after the removal of Saddam Hussain, face daily threats to life from Iraqis who do not want British soldiers there. The disorganisation of the military is exposed, with failing equipment and days wasted on seemingly pointless missions.
The bravery our soldiers is exemplary and Mulligan has admirably given 100% of his royalties to War Child.
This book is army equivalent of Adam Kay's This Is Going to Hurt - darkly funny, honest, well written and thoroughly engaging and entertaining.
And ain't that the truth.
In this excellent humorous and revealing account of life on the fronline for soldier Owain Mulligan, the futility of war is exposed. Our troops who were sent to Iraq to stabilise the country after the removal of Saddam Hussain, face daily threats to life from Iraqis who do not want British soldiers there. The disorganisation of the military is exposed, with failing equipment and days wasted on seemingly pointless missions.
The bravery our soldiers is exemplary and Mulligan has admirably given 100% of his royalties to War Child.
This book is army equivalent of Adam Kay's This Is Going to Hurt - darkly funny, honest, well written and thoroughly engaging and entertaining.
December 23, 2025
Honest account on the front line of modern conflict.
Having been brought up on the boys own stuff of the British army this book brought me back down to earth with a bang. An honest reflection of taking part in a pointless and un winable conflict , in which the army came across as a cross between dad's army and Benny hill. Having said this does not take away the bravery and selflessness of those young men and women who were there and sadly those that didn't come home, or were disabled in the process. The final kick in the guts was the politicians those that started the debacle throwing in the towel. Nevertheless i take my hat of to the grunts and thank them for there service and special praise to the author who didnt even have to be there.
Having been brought up on the boys own stuff of the British army this book brought me back down to earth with a bang. An honest reflection of taking part in a pointless and un winable conflict , in which the army came across as a cross between dad's army and Benny hill. Having said this does not take away the bravery and selflessness of those young men and women who were there and sadly those that didn't come home, or were disabled in the process. The final kick in the guts was the politicians those that started the debacle throwing in the towel. Nevertheless i take my hat of to the grunts and thank them for there service and special praise to the author who didnt even have to be there.
July 26, 2025
For some reason, this just didn't resonate with me as it seems to have for many others. After reading the reviews, I think it might be because I didn't find the humor particularly funny. Although I could tell the author was trying hard, many of the jokes felt like typical boys' banter that became tiresome rather quickly.
The stories were interesting, with some touching moments. I appreciated getting a unique and nuanced perspective from behind the scenes during what was a terrible war.
I'll forget the book rather quickly
The stories were interesting, with some touching moments. I appreciated getting a unique and nuanced perspective from behind the scenes during what was a terrible war.
I'll forget the book rather quickly
December 21, 2025
Funny, insightful and sad all at once.
You wouldn't think a soldier's story could be funny but this is told with genuine humour whilst still making you think about the bigger picture and the horrors of war, not to mention the idiots who start pointless wars without taking part in them themselves.
It also makes you angry when you realise how many billions of pounds of taxpayers money was actually wasted or simply given away to people who wouldn't care less if we dropped dead.
It's a funny book but a sobering read too.
You wouldn't think a soldier's story could be funny but this is told with genuine humour whilst still making you think about the bigger picture and the horrors of war, not to mention the idiots who start pointless wars without taking part in them themselves.
It also makes you angry when you realise how many billions of pounds of taxpayers money was actually wasted or simply given away to people who wouldn't care less if we dropped dead.
It's a funny book but a sobering read too.
July 28, 2025
Brilliant, insightful, funny, and moving. As a military veteran, the author's memoirs rang true to me. I loved his account of his soldiers' conduct, mentality, humour, and above all, courage, which I guess has not changed through the centuries of conflict. To my shame, I was only aware of the spin and hype surrounding the Second Golf War and its aftermath. Owain opened my eyes, which by the end of the book were filled with tears. Thank you!
July 18, 2025
Despite Marina Hyde's enthusiastic review of this book, I just found it dull. Too many acronyms and initialisations (which are explained but still...) and the same story over and over just in different locations. Didn't like the style of writing. Got about 1/3 of the way through and realised I wasn't enjoying it.
July 23, 2025
Entertaining - but laced with pathos and insight. The author read the audiobook and was audibly emotional at the end - which really helped land his final points.
It would have revived a higher score - but I felt the comedic angle was a bit forced at times, the bumbling innocent abroad schtick and the metaphors exaggerated for comic effect became repetitive.
It would have revived a higher score - but I felt the comedic angle was a bit forced at times, the bumbling innocent abroad schtick and the metaphors exaggerated for comic effect became repetitive.
September 17, 2025
Loved this book. Incredibly harrowing and depressing with regards to the Iraq War- what an absolute mess. But also extremely funny and a reminder of how remarkable and brave humans can be. A particularly insightful read given young Thomas Sayer is now in the army!
John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"
John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"
April 19, 2025
Sometimes it gets a bit better than these three stars, but usually no, not really. The wisecracking gets old really fast, the reaching for drama or comic relief is too obvious, the reflections shallow as all get out. Bit of a pity, but there you are.
April 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book (I listened to the audiobook which I think added to my enjoyment). It's funny, moving, and gives a fascinating insight into the reality of army life and the author's time in Iraq. Can honestly say this wouldn't be my usual read but I'm so glad I took the recommendation.
May 17, 2025
Stunning, beautiful. I’m in tears.
What a delightful and profound book. I saw myself reflected in every story, in every moment. Each page radiates humanity. And the ending, simply beautiful. I learned so much. I’ll read anything Ossian Mulligan writes.
What a delightful and profound book. I saw myself reflected in every story, in every moment. Each page radiates humanity. And the ending, simply beautiful. I learned so much. I’ll read anything Ossian Mulligan writes.
May 29, 2025
it's been a while since a book genuinely made me laugh out loud, but the audiobook (read by the author himself) was brilliant. a great memoir from a previous reservist (well TA) soldier sent to war in Iraq/Afghan days
July 30, 2025
Brilliant, properly funny, properly insightful and properly furious in all the right places. I've got a queue of three people wanting to borrow it now I've finished - always a decent 'what makes a 5 star book' barometer.
August 3, 2025
If you listen to any audiobooks this year, it should be this one. I laughed, gasped and cried at Owain Mulligan's brutally honest tales from his time in Iraq in the British Army. He's a great writer and narrator and the stories are funny, sad, disappointing and uplifting. Really really good.
November 28, 2025
I loved the beginning but then got bored / samey.
Owain does have v good sense of humour though - very British and dry 10/10
Also found it hard to listen to and follow what wa happening; also didn’t help I spread it out over 2 months so couldn’t really remember key details
Owain does have v good sense of humour though - very British and dry 10/10
Also found it hard to listen to and follow what wa happening; also didn’t help I spread it out over 2 months so couldn’t really remember key details
December 17, 2025
Absolutely brilliant. Hilarious and poignant, it’s the best mix of realistic commentary on a disgusting, hopeless and utterly unnecessary situation and loving commendation letter. Manages to be absolutely laugh out loud funny about something that isn’t funny.
April 16, 2025
Absolutely brilliant. Very very funny - and also very poignant.
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