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Gurkha Brotherhood: A Story of Childhood and War
'Sometimes my mind reaches back beyond the fear and the arid landscapes of war, to memories of childhood that fill me with happiness and laughter.'
So begins this searingly honest memoir by Kailash Limbu, a serving Gurka soldier who undertook five tours of active service in Afghanistan. Kailash Limbu was in the front line of the fighting in Helmand Province. On dangerous resupply missions and on offensive patrols that took them to the heart of the 'killing zone', he and his men came under frequent attack from Taliban fighters.
He talks of other operations in which he has served – and, perhaps most movingly, of the other Gurkha soldiers – the united band of brothers – with whom he serves and on whom he relies every day.
On many occasions he has feared he would not live to see the end of the day – and, inevitably, he lost several friends and colleagues from the close-knit Gurkha brotherhood. His means of coping with the trauma of conflict was to travel back in his mind to his childhood in a remote Himalayan village in Nepal. But even amid the simplicity of mountain life, danger and tragedy lurked.
In this compelling narrative Capt Limbu celebrates his Gurkha heritage, relates remarkable stories of courage (his own and others'), and confronts demons that have shaped but never broken him. The result is a record of war and peace that is rare in its honesty and humility.
So begins this searingly honest memoir by Kailash Limbu, a serving Gurka soldier who undertook five tours of active service in Afghanistan. Kailash Limbu was in the front line of the fighting in Helmand Province. On dangerous resupply missions and on offensive patrols that took them to the heart of the 'killing zone', he and his men came under frequent attack from Taliban fighters.
He talks of other operations in which he has served – and, perhaps most movingly, of the other Gurkha soldiers – the united band of brothers – with whom he serves and on whom he relies every day.
On many occasions he has feared he would not live to see the end of the day – and, inevitably, he lost several friends and colleagues from the close-knit Gurkha brotherhood. His means of coping with the trauma of conflict was to travel back in his mind to his childhood in a remote Himalayan village in Nepal. But even amid the simplicity of mountain life, danger and tragedy lurked.
In this compelling narrative Capt Limbu celebrates his Gurkha heritage, relates remarkable stories of courage (his own and others'), and confronts demons that have shaped but never broken him. The result is a record of war and peace that is rare in its honesty and humility.
- GenresNonfiction
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 5, 2024
The book is a great read as Gurkha Brotherhood by Captain Kailash Limbu. It’s great as the way it reads from his home to the selection into the Army. I found it confusing at times but would recommend you give it a read.
July 7, 2021
The moment I saw this book I was intrigued, I think the Gurkha’s are always overshadowed a little by the more famous battalions in the British Military but they have and do play a crucial part in our military. Now it is time we finally understood their history and paid our respect and give our thanks to them and this book is perfect for that and I felt honoured to have had the chance to read it.
I have huge amounts of respect for Gurkha’s, it started from hearing stories passed down through the family from my great granddad served alongside the Gurkha’s for a short time during WW2 and his stories of how much he respected them not just for their selfless bravery but for their friendship and comradeship and yet, I have to be honest and admit that I didn’t know a huge amount about the Gurkha’s before reading this book, but by reading this insightful and incredibly moving account of Captain Limbu’s life and military career I am in awe of him and his comrades.
Gurkha Brotherhood is the personal memoir of Captain Kailesh Limbu he shares his journey from childhood and his family life in Nepal to the horrors that are Helmand Province, throughout the book, Captain Limbu touches your heart with his eloquent, real and passionate writing. I was particularly taken with his absolute love and loyalty for his family and his Gurkha brotherhood, the way he took it upon himself to do all he could for his family, I loved the addition of his family pictures, they are so personal and touching it’s like looking into someone else world for a short period.
This is an incredible book, it’s a beautifully written, emotional, insightful, intelligent and hard-hitting account of what a man will do for his love of family and country. It’s a book that needs to be read not just by those who love military history and true accounts, but by all. It will open your eyes and will leave you in complete awe and utter respect for the incredibly brave and inspiring Gurkha’s.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, rich in detail and poignant read which will have you feeling all the emotions from happiness, sadness and awe. It’s emotionally raw, powerful, hard-hitting and infinitely a book of hope and honesty and peace.
Highly recommended!
I have huge amounts of respect for Gurkha’s, it started from hearing stories passed down through the family from my great granddad served alongside the Gurkha’s for a short time during WW2 and his stories of how much he respected them not just for their selfless bravery but for their friendship and comradeship and yet, I have to be honest and admit that I didn’t know a huge amount about the Gurkha’s before reading this book, but by reading this insightful and incredibly moving account of Captain Limbu’s life and military career I am in awe of him and his comrades.
Gurkha Brotherhood is the personal memoir of Captain Kailesh Limbu he shares his journey from childhood and his family life in Nepal to the horrors that are Helmand Province, throughout the book, Captain Limbu touches your heart with his eloquent, real and passionate writing. I was particularly taken with his absolute love and loyalty for his family and his Gurkha brotherhood, the way he took it upon himself to do all he could for his family, I loved the addition of his family pictures, they are so personal and touching it’s like looking into someone else world for a short period.
This is an incredible book, it’s a beautifully written, emotional, insightful, intelligent and hard-hitting account of what a man will do for his love of family and country. It’s a book that needs to be read not just by those who love military history and true accounts, but by all. It will open your eyes and will leave you in complete awe and utter respect for the incredibly brave and inspiring Gurkha’s.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, rich in detail and poignant read which will have you feeling all the emotions from happiness, sadness and awe. It’s emotionally raw, powerful, hard-hitting and infinitely a book of hope and honesty and peace.
Highly recommended!
April 19, 2024
Captain Kailash Limbu's book "Gurkha Brotherhood: A Tale of Courage, Sacrifice, and the Power of Brotherhood" is an honest account of the life of a Gurkha soldier fighting in Afghanistan during the chaotic war. This book tells a fascinating and intriguing account of his life. Limbu, born in 1981 in a remote area of eastern Nepal, was selected by the British Army to join the Gurkha Brigade. His book chronicles his extraordinary trip as well as the trials he faced throughout his deployment, offering readers an intriguing narrative of survival and endurance.
Readers are transported to the front lines of the war in Helmand Province, where Limbu and his fellow Gurkhas faced a continual onslaught from Taliban fighters, demonstrating the horrific realities of combat via his searingly honest portrayal. Limbu's biography contains in-depth facts about his experience, from his humble origins in a remote Himalayan village in Nepal to his courageous service as a Gurkha soldier in Afghanistan. In doing so, he commemorates the valour and sacrifice of his fellow soldiers who fought beside him in the face of adversity while also creating a vivid image of the Gurkha brotherhood's perseverance and camaraderie.
The story is punctuated by moments of tragedy and victory as Limbu deals with the trauma of war while negotiating the difficulties of his dual identities as a Gurkha soldier and a loyal family man. Readers will learn about the deep impact of the battle on the human spirit, as well as the enduring relationships of love and devotion that keep troops going in the darkest of times, from his unvarnished thoughts. The presence of photographs enables readers to quickly identify with this story and form emotional relationships.
With fascinating writing and emotive narrative, "Gurkha Brotherhood" pays tribute to the Gurkha troops' indomitable spirit and everlasting dedication to duty and dignity. Limbu's narrative is a stunning monument to the human spirit's resiliency, as well as the Gurkha tradition's lasting legacy of heroism and sacrifice.
Readers are transported to the front lines of the war in Helmand Province, where Limbu and his fellow Gurkhas faced a continual onslaught from Taliban fighters, demonstrating the horrific realities of combat via his searingly honest portrayal. Limbu's biography contains in-depth facts about his experience, from his humble origins in a remote Himalayan village in Nepal to his courageous service as a Gurkha soldier in Afghanistan. In doing so, he commemorates the valour and sacrifice of his fellow soldiers who fought beside him in the face of adversity while also creating a vivid image of the Gurkha brotherhood's perseverance and camaraderie.
The story is punctuated by moments of tragedy and victory as Limbu deals with the trauma of war while negotiating the difficulties of his dual identities as a Gurkha soldier and a loyal family man. Readers will learn about the deep impact of the battle on the human spirit, as well as the enduring relationships of love and devotion that keep troops going in the darkest of times, from his unvarnished thoughts. The presence of photographs enables readers to quickly identify with this story and form emotional relationships.
With fascinating writing and emotive narrative, "Gurkha Brotherhood" pays tribute to the Gurkha troops' indomitable spirit and everlasting dedication to duty and dignity. Limbu's narrative is a stunning monument to the human spirit's resiliency, as well as the Gurkha tradition's lasting legacy of heroism and sacrifice.
March 31, 2024
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw once famously said that “If a man says that he does not afraid of dying, He is either lying or He’s a Gurkha. Tales of bravery and valour of Gurkha warriors are pretty famous in army. This is such a great story of courage and hard work. Captain Kailash Limbu joined 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles of the British Army in 1999 during which he was posted in Taliban affected Afghanistan, Bosnia and Sierra Leone.
𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 -
Book starts from his childhood in hills of Nepal where he lived with his family. Captain Limbu had a tough childhood and he faced death in the eye many times during his young days. Due to family’s financial hardship author decided to join the army and got selected in British Battalion through a tough process. Adversity he faced during his childhood made him a tough child which helped him during his service.
𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬-
As I mentioned earlier Author was posted in Taliban affected areas in Afghanistan during which he faced many dire situations, he faced and neutralised attacks, saved lives of innocent people and saw his fellow man sacrifice their lives. There are many stories in the book that will touch readers deeply.
𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 -
With outside appearances anyone might assume that army men are tough people but when you read stories related to them you come to know their human side. We see many incidents when author lost his man on field and during illness of his mother how he struggles with emotions. On battlefield he shows agility, awareness and courage to punish the enemy. But on the other side we see a human aspect of the battle hardened man.
—
Captain Limbu retired from service in 2016 and settle in UK with his family. His life is really inspiring and a story must read. Whatever he achieved coming from a small village of nepal is really commendable. Everyone should read this book.
𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 -
Book starts from his childhood in hills of Nepal where he lived with his family. Captain Limbu had a tough childhood and he faced death in the eye many times during his young days. Due to family’s financial hardship author decided to join the army and got selected in British Battalion through a tough process. Adversity he faced during his childhood made him a tough child which helped him during his service.
𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬-
As I mentioned earlier Author was posted in Taliban affected areas in Afghanistan during which he faced many dire situations, he faced and neutralised attacks, saved lives of innocent people and saw his fellow man sacrifice their lives. There are many stories in the book that will touch readers deeply.
𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 -
With outside appearances anyone might assume that army men are tough people but when you read stories related to them you come to know their human side. We see many incidents when author lost his man on field and during illness of his mother how he struggles with emotions. On battlefield he shows agility, awareness and courage to punish the enemy. But on the other side we see a human aspect of the battle hardened man.
—
Captain Limbu retired from service in 2016 and settle in UK with his family. His life is really inspiring and a story must read. Whatever he achieved coming from a small village of nepal is really commendable. Everyone should read this book.
November 9, 2021
This is the second book by Captain Kailash Limbu. Firstly, I found this autobiography absolutely extraordinary. It contained a few things I absolutely love.
Firstly photos enabling you relate to this autobiography straight away and make emotional connections. Secondly the glossary at the back I don’t know much about military wording so I found this extremely useful.
The missions that this individual took on around the world is an act of complete bravery, determination and loyalty. The reflection on his life was phenomenal, it really got you appreciating everything in life. One regret is never joining the army and following my dreams when I left school. The friendships made are completely solid.
I found the move between Nepal to UK etc fascinating, gripping. The reality that this is someone’s life, someone’s journey is mesmerising. It’s so emotional, heartbreaking, compassionate and every word you read you can feel every raw emotion.
It’s a 256 page book, the chapters are not long at all bringing this mans life to reality every step of the way. I ended this book in absolute tears, it really touched me in every way and you truly realise that friends and family are truly everything.
Firstly photos enabling you relate to this autobiography straight away and make emotional connections. Secondly the glossary at the back I don’t know much about military wording so I found this extremely useful.
The missions that this individual took on around the world is an act of complete bravery, determination and loyalty. The reflection on his life was phenomenal, it really got you appreciating everything in life. One regret is never joining the army and following my dreams when I left school. The friendships made are completely solid.
I found the move between Nepal to UK etc fascinating, gripping. The reality that this is someone’s life, someone’s journey is mesmerising. It’s so emotional, heartbreaking, compassionate and every word you read you can feel every raw emotion.
It’s a 256 page book, the chapters are not long at all bringing this mans life to reality every step of the way. I ended this book in absolute tears, it really touched me in every way and you truly realise that friends and family are truly everything.
June 24, 2021
As soon as I heard of this book I was fascinated by it and couldn't wait to read it !
I don't think I have ever been as touched by a book , it was an absolute roller coaster of emotions while reading it. You definitely feel the thrill and rush that he did at the beginning of the book which immediately hooks you on to the book.
While reading this book you were there with him, watching everything, going through his life with him. The loved he has for his family and brotherhood is massive , he did all he could to help his mother, father and country. I knew very little about Ghurkas until reading this book.
I am hugely honoured to have read this book. Its an amazing read , moving , emotional , beautiful , sad, happy , everything all in one life story. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in military, anyone who likes true stories and anyone interested in learning about his life.
I don't think I have ever been as touched by a book , it was an absolute roller coaster of emotions while reading it. You definitely feel the thrill and rush that he did at the beginning of the book which immediately hooks you on to the book.
While reading this book you were there with him, watching everything, going through his life with him. The loved he has for his family and brotherhood is massive , he did all he could to help his mother, father and country. I knew very little about Ghurkas until reading this book.
I am hugely honoured to have read this book. Its an amazing read , moving , emotional , beautiful , sad, happy , everything all in one life story. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in military, anyone who likes true stories and anyone interested in learning about his life.
June 27, 2021
This is a beautifully written emotional and gripping autobiography by Captain Kailash Limbu. He was born in 1981 in a remote region of Eastern Nepal. He was selected by the British Army to join the Brigade of Gurkhas. The book is about his extraordinary jpurney and survival throughout his deployment.
I loved his writing style and detailed description. I've learnt alot about thd army and found it very informative. The missions he undertook and the danger he faced were unbelievable. So much strength and courage. I felt really emotional reading it.
I loved the idea of incorporating photographs of Captain Limbu with friends he made and people he met and felt like you were there with him.
Such an amazing book and I highly recommend.
I loved his writing style and detailed description. I've learnt alot about thd army and found it very informative. The missions he undertook and the danger he faced were unbelievable. So much strength and courage. I felt really emotional reading it.
I loved the idea of incorporating photographs of Captain Limbu with friends he made and people he met and felt like you were there with him.
Such an amazing book and I highly recommend.
January 7, 2025
Gurkha Brotherhood, A Memoir of Childhood and War by Captain Kailash Limbu is the story of a Gurkha soldier who was born in a picturesque village of Khebang, in Nepal, and went on to become a soldier of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles. In his book, Captain Kailash shared his innermost thoughts about being a soldier when he fought in Afghanistan with the Taliban. In fact, with honesty, he shared what went through his mind during those crucial times in the battlefield when one could lose his life at any moment. The Gurkha soldiers are renowned in the world for their bravery as well as for their khukuri, the traditional Gurkha knife, and being a Gurkha, Captain Kailash opened his world for the people at large.
June 30, 2021
What an eye-opener of a book. Having grown up in peacetime in the Indian subcontinent, I have heard of war from older generations' retelling of their experiences. The invaluable contribution of the Gurkhas has always featured in their stories, a contribution that has not been spoken of outside of homes in the region. Finally, we have a book that brings to light the immense importance of the role the Gurkhas have played on a global scale and showcases their bravery.
I received a free advance copy of the book for my honest review.
I received a free advance copy of the book for my honest review.
March 20, 2025
My Dad served alongside the Gurkhas and when he left the army he paid into the Gurkha welfare trust for the rest of his life until he died at 94. The book isn't the greatest read, but I have given it 4 stars as the dedication these people show to the mother nation is beyond anything most people can comprehend..
December 23, 2021
3.5 stars
Review to come :)
Review to come :)
January 25, 2022
Fascinating book… rich in culture of both Nepal and the Gurkhas. Incredible man. So so interesting.
February 18, 2024
Quite gripping, just one man’s account of an interesting life.
November 2, 2021
In this beautifully written memoir, Cpt. Kailash Limbu creates a vivid account of his life growing up in a small village in Nepal, right through to the present day where he is in charge of training Ghurka recruits in North Yorkshire.
The story fits between the present day, his experiences of life growing up in Nepal and the intervening years of his journey to becoming and serving as a respected member of The Royal Ghurka Regiment. In his writing, Cpt. Kailash is able to create an excellent picture of the cultural differences. Not only between Nepal and the UK, but also the challenges within the army. Huge adaptations and adjustments for simple everyday things that we take for granted. Such as, sitting down when using the toilet, ordering McDonalds, the use of cutlery, lighting and even down to cars staying in lane.
Ii particularly loved the descriptions of his home country perfectly. Cpt. Kailash strikes the balance between the idyllic perception of the simplicity of living in a small village, coupled with the fact that life could be particularly gruelling, with danger never far away. His accounts of life when on tour and in battle are honest, raw, heartbreaking and above all inspiring. His pride as a serving member of the Ghurkas and love for his 'brothers' shines bright throughout. I quickly found huge respect, gratitude and empathy for the strength, courage, sacrifice, love and bravery that is shown by both the soldiers and their loved ones.
Captain Kailash is able to really vocalise the huge adjustments that need to be made physically, mentally and emotionally as Father's, Brother's, Sons, Husband's and Soldiers.
This book is so much more than a typical war memoir. It is an excellent tribute to the many 100's of Ghurkas past and present. Whose bravery, courage, selflessness, spirit, honour and pride in serving their country, continue to make them one of the best regiments in the world.
This brilliant memoir is a perfect example of why I love the genre so much!
The story fits between the present day, his experiences of life growing up in Nepal and the intervening years of his journey to becoming and serving as a respected member of The Royal Ghurka Regiment. In his writing, Cpt. Kailash is able to create an excellent picture of the cultural differences. Not only between Nepal and the UK, but also the challenges within the army. Huge adaptations and adjustments for simple everyday things that we take for granted. Such as, sitting down when using the toilet, ordering McDonalds, the use of cutlery, lighting and even down to cars staying in lane.
Ii particularly loved the descriptions of his home country perfectly. Cpt. Kailash strikes the balance between the idyllic perception of the simplicity of living in a small village, coupled with the fact that life could be particularly gruelling, with danger never far away. His accounts of life when on tour and in battle are honest, raw, heartbreaking and above all inspiring. His pride as a serving member of the Ghurkas and love for his 'brothers' shines bright throughout. I quickly found huge respect, gratitude and empathy for the strength, courage, sacrifice, love and bravery that is shown by both the soldiers and their loved ones.
Captain Kailash is able to really vocalise the huge adjustments that need to be made physically, mentally and emotionally as Father's, Brother's, Sons, Husband's and Soldiers.
This book is so much more than a typical war memoir. It is an excellent tribute to the many 100's of Ghurkas past and present. Whose bravery, courage, selflessness, spirit, honour and pride in serving their country, continue to make them one of the best regiments in the world.
This brilliant memoir is a perfect example of why I love the genre so much!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews