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Six Years With Al Qaeda
Six Years With Al Qaeda: The Stephen McGown Story
While riding his motorbike through Mali, on his way home from London to Johannesburg, Stephen McGown was taken captive in Timbuktu by Al Qaeda. Life as he knew it changed in that instant. With nothing to bargain with and everything to lose, for the next six years Steve became reluctantly engaged in what he refers to as, “the greatest chess game of my life”.
Thousands of kilometres away in Johannesburg, the shock of his kidnapping hit his wife Cath and the rest of the McGown family. Working every option they could find – from established diplomatic protocols to the murky back channels of the kidnap game – they set to work on trying to free Steve.
To this day he holds the unenviable record of Al Qaeda’s longest held prisoner.
Six Years With Al Qaeda is not just an incredible story of mental strength, physical endurance and the resilience of the human spirit, but also a unique, nuanced perspective on one of the world’s most feared terrorist organisations. Not only did Steve survive his ordeal, but in many respects he came out of the desert both a changed man and a stronger, more positive human.
While riding his motorbike through Mali, on his way home from London to Johannesburg, Stephen McGown was taken captive in Timbuktu by Al Qaeda. Life as he knew it changed in that instant. With nothing to bargain with and everything to lose, for the next six years Steve became reluctantly engaged in what he refers to as, “the greatest chess game of my life”.
Thousands of kilometres away in Johannesburg, the shock of his kidnapping hit his wife Cath and the rest of the McGown family. Working every option they could find – from established diplomatic protocols to the murky back channels of the kidnap game – they set to work on trying to free Steve.
To this day he holds the unenviable record of Al Qaeda’s longest held prisoner.
Six Years With Al Qaeda is not just an incredible story of mental strength, physical endurance and the resilience of the human spirit, but also a unique, nuanced perspective on one of the world’s most feared terrorist organisations. Not only did Steve survive his ordeal, but in many respects he came out of the desert both a changed man and a stronger, more positive human.
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Published November 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 18, 2020
Part of the title is: "The Stephen Mcgown Story", and that is what you get- kind of. After finishing the book I felt like I was given the highlights of Stephen's time with Al Qaeda, and not the full story.
For instance- Stephen talks about fights between him and his fellow prisoners. He doesn't provide an actual narrative for why those fights happened. Very few blow-by-blow accounts of interactions with anyone is forthcoming in the book. Just overarching themes.
Very little actual conversations with his captors or fellow prisoners are provided. However, at the end of his kidnapping the captors see Stephen as a brother. No in depth retelling of how relationships came about is provided. Very little characterisation of the individual captors is provided.
It feels like the book is holding back on you.
The book feels like an office memo of what happened, and not a story. Perhap the book is meant to be used in conjunction with Stephen's international talks.
This does not make the book bad or unenjoyable. The book was extremely interesting. It just leaves you wanting more.
The insights into how Al Qaeda functions, and the mindset of Stephen and his captors is fascinating. Moreover, Stephen's views on his captors and the way in which he writes about them makes one wonder about what impact Stockholm Syndrome had on him.
In closing, this is an enjoyable and interesting book, that could have given so much more.
For instance- Stephen talks about fights between him and his fellow prisoners. He doesn't provide an actual narrative for why those fights happened. Very few blow-by-blow accounts of interactions with anyone is forthcoming in the book. Just overarching themes.
Very little actual conversations with his captors or fellow prisoners are provided. However, at the end of his kidnapping the captors see Stephen as a brother. No in depth retelling of how relationships came about is provided. Very little characterisation of the individual captors is provided.
It feels like the book is holding back on you.
The book feels like an office memo of what happened, and not a story. Perhap the book is meant to be used in conjunction with Stephen's international talks.
This does not make the book bad or unenjoyable. The book was extremely interesting. It just leaves you wanting more.
The insights into how Al Qaeda functions, and the mindset of Stephen and his captors is fascinating. Moreover, Stephen's views on his captors and the way in which he writes about them makes one wonder about what impact Stockholm Syndrome had on him.
In closing, this is an enjoyable and interesting book, that could have given so much more.
January 12, 2022
4.5 stars. Listened to the Audio Book.
This was a somewhat emotional listen for me as I know Steve, and his family. It thus made this story so much more touching and personal. Knowing the ins-and-outs of exactly what he was going through at all times, as well as what his wife and parents were going through, was indeed harrowing, and I'm just so in awe of this man and his strength. How he never lost hope should be motivation to us all.
Overall, this was a fascinating and amazing story. The stress and pain that all the players in this story went through can't be downplayed. It's just amazing that things turned out as they did and that Steve was released to come home to his family, and get on with a somewhat normal life.
I loved this story, and the only reason for not awarding a full 5-stars is because I would have liked to hear a little bit more about the health of the hostages, and what they went through in that regard in the desert. For example, if you're living in a desert for 6 years and you never see a dentist, I would presume you'd suffer from some dental issues? What was done when someone developed a toothache? Did that happen to any of them? Also, what about other ailments or health problems? How were those dealt with? But other than that, this was a superb and very interesting read.
Onwards and upwards Steve!
This was a somewhat emotional listen for me as I know Steve, and his family. It thus made this story so much more touching and personal. Knowing the ins-and-outs of exactly what he was going through at all times, as well as what his wife and parents were going through, was indeed harrowing, and I'm just so in awe of this man and his strength. How he never lost hope should be motivation to us all.
Overall, this was a fascinating and amazing story. The stress and pain that all the players in this story went through can't be downplayed. It's just amazing that things turned out as they did and that Steve was released to come home to his family, and get on with a somewhat normal life.
I loved this story, and the only reason for not awarding a full 5-stars is because I would have liked to hear a little bit more about the health of the hostages, and what they went through in that regard in the desert. For example, if you're living in a desert for 6 years and you never see a dentist, I would presume you'd suffer from some dental issues? What was done when someone developed a toothache? Did that happen to any of them? Also, what about other ailments or health problems? How were those dealt with? But other than that, this was a superb and very interesting read.
Onwards and upwards Steve!
December 8, 2020
This is a remarkable story which reads like a thriller but is true . Stephen McGown was on an overland motorcycle trip through Africa when he was captured in Timbuktu by Al Qaeda operatives and held prisoner in the Sahara Desert with two strangers . He describes his relationship with his fellow prisoners and his captors. Very interesting insight into living and surviving in the desert. A uniqueand fascinating insight into Islamic culture motivating his captors and the different lifestyles and priorities of the prisoners Highly recommended.
July 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, but felt like it only told three quarters of the story. This was my reason for only a 4 star rating and not 5.
The story focused very much on the earlier stages of the capture and time in the desert, but much less on the rest, which is where I fell short.
Maybe there is a sequel planned, but right now I have questions regarding how his relationship with his wife turned out and what he has decided to do with his life?
Either way, a remarkable story and good read.
The story focused very much on the earlier stages of the capture and time in the desert, but much less on the rest, which is where I fell short.
Maybe there is a sequel planned, but right now I have questions regarding how his relationship with his wife turned out and what he has decided to do with his life?
Either way, a remarkable story and good read.
November 23, 2020
I am slightly biased in that Steve has been a mate of mine for 30+ years. Steve, and his life, and this part of the story are truly inspirational to me - even before reading the book.
The book is well written, and I think Steve has made an important and very wise choice in choosing Tudor to ghost write and record this incredible account of human survival - at its core the choice to survive, the strategy and adaptivity to change to an ever changing environment, the tenacity and perserverance to push through to the end. Anyone who does not read this will miss an opportunity for themselves to witness this.
Knowing Steve for years, I can hear his voice and clarity telling this account with soul baring honesty throughout the book. Although, there are several perspectives taken into account including his Dad, Magoo; his wife, Cath; Imtiaaz Suliman the incredible Gift of the Givers leader. It was great to have their voices and persepctives to show the whole picture.
The inside cover looks like a map from Tolkien's Lord of The Rings, and the journey no less frightening and challenging than that of Frodo (the ring bearer). The book transported me through time and space - not just to experience Steve's captivity to Al Qaeda, but rather over 2000 years to a place (the Sahel) which still operates as it did in ancient times - its people, its animals and birds, its weather patterns, its utter harshness and beauty - and of course Steve's experience in all of this. And most importantly his own personal transformation from the old Steve into the new Steve that he chose to be - his very important choice, where there were not many options available.
A truly awe inspiring miracle that I have had the privilege to witness, and now to read the account and still hear and learn so many new aspects.
Well done Steve and Tudor Caradoc-Davies. Well done!
The book is well written, and I think Steve has made an important and very wise choice in choosing Tudor to ghost write and record this incredible account of human survival - at its core the choice to survive, the strategy and adaptivity to change to an ever changing environment, the tenacity and perserverance to push through to the end. Anyone who does not read this will miss an opportunity for themselves to witness this.
Knowing Steve for years, I can hear his voice and clarity telling this account with soul baring honesty throughout the book. Although, there are several perspectives taken into account including his Dad, Magoo; his wife, Cath; Imtiaaz Suliman the incredible Gift of the Givers leader. It was great to have their voices and persepctives to show the whole picture.
The inside cover looks like a map from Tolkien's Lord of The Rings, and the journey no less frightening and challenging than that of Frodo (the ring bearer). The book transported me through time and space - not just to experience Steve's captivity to Al Qaeda, but rather over 2000 years to a place (the Sahel) which still operates as it did in ancient times - its people, its animals and birds, its weather patterns, its utter harshness and beauty - and of course Steve's experience in all of this. And most importantly his own personal transformation from the old Steve into the new Steve that he chose to be - his very important choice, where there were not many options available.
A truly awe inspiring miracle that I have had the privilege to witness, and now to read the account and still hear and learn so many new aspects.
Well done Steve and Tudor Caradoc-Davies. Well done!
November 27, 2020
A harrowing ordeal, an extreme experience and a most riveting read
January 1, 2021
A thoroughly captivating read, thank you for sharing your story Steve.
August 5, 2025
spannend! nochmal was neues zu AQ in Mali gelernt! kein literarisches meisterwerk, man merkt, dass die nicht viel zeit hatten das buch zu schreiben.
March 11, 2022
Tudor Caradoc-Davies - masterpiece. In keeping with one of my favourite writers, Thessiger, it carries the silence of quiet punctuation, shorter sentences, clearly defined images. With this writing, I feel the silence of the desert, the isolated imprisonment of McGown. This is a tribute to the skills of Caradoc-Davies. Neither sentimental or indulgent, learnéd and efficacious in conveying the beauty of Steve's experiences as well as the horrors. A Tribute to both writer and author. Plus secretly relieved I enjoyed it, cos he's my friend, can you imagine! Bravo. Deserves an audience.
March 30, 2021
Brilliant!! Thanks Stephen for sharing your story with us.
September 5, 2024
A written account of the capture and release of Steven McGown, a South African national bike packing from his home in London down to his new home in South Africa. During his journey he is kidnapped by Al Qaeda operatives and kept as prisoner for 6 years whilst tumultuous release negotiations, political agenda, bureaucracy and general governmental incompetence roadblocks his release to his family. After some NGO intervention, Steve's transformation to Islam and infallible belief, self discovery, rehabilitation and persistence. He returns to his former world troubled by the events occurred during his absence and uses his new found faith as a guide to help find forgiveness and meaning in his new life as Steve and leave the world of "Lot" behind. The book investigates ideas of self discovery, perspective belief systems, moral principles as well as the troubles of having to deal with survivor guilt, helplessness and selfishness in a situation where those emotions cannot be expressed but are still experienced and how one can use faith and belief to overcome so many challenges.
September 13, 2021
This book started off well and i became so interested in it but in the middle it started sounding so boring.
You dont get the full picture just there and there.
There are times when Steph takes you back to 2012 when you want to focus on whats next, he mentions 2012 so much that i started getting irritated, like why cant you go into detail with this story until you were released instead of taking us back to 2012.
It didnt go by stages, i felt he should have told us story year by year instead of having a vague focus.
This was a total waste of my money.
I remember watching a documentary on HBO called Jim: The James Foley story. That in my view is how a story gets told.
This here felt like gossiping.
You dont get the full picture just there and there.
There are times when Steph takes you back to 2012 when you want to focus on whats next, he mentions 2012 so much that i started getting irritated, like why cant you go into detail with this story until you were released instead of taking us back to 2012.
It didnt go by stages, i felt he should have told us story year by year instead of having a vague focus.
This was a total waste of my money.
I remember watching a documentary on HBO called Jim: The James Foley story. That in my view is how a story gets told.
This here felt like gossiping.
January 11, 2021
It was a major lesson for me not to waste time worrying about what may not happen. there’s always good stuff you can take from tough times and life can change in a second.
What I know now more than anything is that sometimes we just have to slow down. We need to stop and become the calm.
Being able to truly feel, deeply, is an absolute blessing that shows you are alive that you are in touch with what matters and that you embrace the full gamut of what life brings you. I learn that one should never shy away from those emotions. To be able to be emotional makes every part of being alive that much more special. The problem is when you don’t feel anything or when you put up walls to block off stress, that is when life becomes bland.
What I know now more than anything is that sometimes we just have to slow down. We need to stop and become the calm.
Being able to truly feel, deeply, is an absolute blessing that shows you are alive that you are in touch with what matters and that you embrace the full gamut of what life brings you. I learn that one should never shy away from those emotions. To be able to be emotional makes every part of being alive that much more special. The problem is when you don’t feel anything or when you put up walls to block off stress, that is when life becomes bland.
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May 11, 2022A very interesting account of Stephen's (or Lot's) life as a prisoner and his journey with self doubt, growth and rebirth as a convert of Islam. Inspiring in how he was able to fight his inner demons and find strength and survival. Heart wrenching in how his life moved on in his absence but ultimately being re-united and learning to integrate back into his old life. A beautiful story and I would love to read an update on his life since coming back.
March 9, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love historical books and learning about cultures and places, so this really hit that mark for me. As much as it isn’t historical as such, Steve’s journey through traveling Africa and his planned route, his description of places he stayed, birds and with his captures made this a great read for me.
I highly recommend reading, especially as a South African, I think it is important to read about what can happen in our continent.
I highly recommend reading, especially as a South African, I think it is important to read about what can happen in our continent.
December 4, 2025
Great read. 5 starts. You can't read this book in one sitting. And do t expect anything from it. It is a story yes. But it is so much more. There is too much that happens to process. It is not just a book about a guy held captive. It so much more. It help me understand the world much better.
Even better that I accidently got to sit to the man himself on a plane years later. And still to this day I will cherish that plane ride.
Even better that I accidently got to sit to the man himself on a plane years later. And still to this day I will cherish that plane ride.
August 25, 2021
The incredible account of Stephen McGown's capture in Mali and his harrowing six years of captivity. His wife and father also share their accounts of trying to free him, which added an extra layer to the book. Through McGown's journey of survival and - ultimately - growth and inner transformation, we see the triumph of the human spirit.
November 5, 2023
Much better than I had expected. Pace was off here and there, but the story was captivating in a way that wasn't simply using the gravity of a long-term hostage situation sensationally. I've not interacted much with this sort of material, but his story in many ways felt simple, honest and in earnest. Thoughroughly enjoyable read.
January 5, 2021
What an incredible story! I couldn't put it down. Stephen is a remarkable person who walked away from a terrible situation having grown so much. I wish the book was longer as the details were so fascinating and I wanted to know even more. Very well written too.
February 3, 2021
A fascinating insight into the years that Steve McGown was held captive by Al Qaeda. I am not normally a fan of non-fiction but this book reads like a thriller. Thanks to the incredible work of Gift of the Givers who made Steve's release a reality.
March 21, 2021
This book hit me right in my core. I finished it in under 24 hours as Stephen’s story captivated me and drew me. His story will teach you about resilience and self-awareness and the importance of enjoying the basic pleasures of everyday life!
March 28, 2021
Six Years with Al Qaeda
Amazing story of survival can’t even begin to understand what Steve and his family went through. Thank goodness for Gift of the Givers don’t know what we would do without them. Enjoyed this book a lot.
Amazing story of survival can’t even begin to understand what Steve and his family went through. Thank goodness for Gift of the Givers don’t know what we would do without them. Enjoyed this book a lot.
December 29, 2021
Extremely well written, captivating and so moving. I will not forget Steve’s journey… his tenacity and his ability to remember what he experienced whilst going through it. Thanks for putting it on paper. So we learn especially about Islam…
March 29, 2023
I didnt think this book would touch me as much as it has, but I was wowed by the situation that Stephen found himself in. So randomly. And so terrifying. Then to follow his thinking through his journey and to see that even someone living a nightmare can make sunshine on his day. just great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
Fantastic book, unbelievable story. So much to take out of this experience and could easily have been double the length. Extraordinary.
December 18, 2020
An interesting book, quite chilling how easy it can be to have your whole life turned upside down. Such a difficultly ordeal for Stephen McGown and his family.
December 23, 2020
This book captivated me from start to finish. The courage and strength portraid, inspired me beyond belief.
January 4, 2021
Beautifully written tragic, yet hopeful story. Thank you Steve for sharing your bravery & patience x
January 29, 2021
Gripping from start to finish. Great book with many life lessons to draw from
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews