Lighting The Fuse

by Lucy Lewis

Imagine standing over a bomb - you need to make a choice. Remember, your life depends on it.

In this extraordinary memoir, Lucy Lewis reveals the hidden world of bomb disposal training and how she came to be the UK's first female bomb disposal expert. From joining Sandhurst to rushing to her first bomb disposal call-out, Lucy's story is full of high stakes and tense situations that for most of us, are beyond comprehension.

Lucy's story however is also a deeply inspirational one - joining the military in the 1980s just as women were taking on more dangerous roles, Lucy's every move was watched and scrutinised. This didn't hold her back however, and this is how she broke through the ceiling, fought against sexism and achieved something no woman had ever done before.

Lighting the Fuse is an eye-opening memoir, that reveals the hidden world of being a woman in the military and how a young woman with an ordinary background, made history - not just once, but twice.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2021

Reviews

[Dee Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book, whatever a reader's gender and whether they have any interest in the military or not. I found it to be hugely enjoyable, engaging, entertaining, inspirational and educational. It is never 'preachy' but in the spaces between the words it nevertheless delivers a subtle but vital message on achieving equality of opportunity for all. With a very light touch, it reflects upon how far we have come as a society but also how far we still have to go, and highlights the extra pressure to perform placed upon girls and women in particular, in all walks of life. That message is as relevant to the civilian corporate and commercial world as it is the armed forces. Full of interesting and unique anecdotes, it remains a really good, fun read that had me both laughing and pausing for thought to contemplate the realities of some very tough situations. Lighting The Fuse

[Kirsty Diggory · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW What a book!!!!!! I've learnt so much reading this from how far women have come in the armed forces, to how bad the situation was in Ireland with the IRA. Having always wanted to be in the armed forces I lived through Lucy Lewis' eyes to see how it was and can only thank her for paving the way for the many girls who's dream it is to be in the forces. Definitely recommend this fantastic book

[Becca Scammell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading memoirs and Lucy's story intrigued me.

Not only did Lucy test the waters within a then very male dominated and orientated profession. She took them on whole heartedly. Challenged gender stereotypes and set precedent for equality and a woman's ability to do what is seen to be a "man's job", well, if not better.

Lucy's memories are detailed and varied and take you on a journey of highs, lows, action, adventure, bravery, honesty and achievement. But above all the human spirit, determination and humanity needed to protect and serve your country.

In her writing, Lucy is able to fully immerse you into her world and brilliantly highlights the vast differences between male and female soldiers.
Particularly in the 1980's and 90's. But also draws on just how much still needs to be done to level the playing field with regards to equality, attitudes towards and accessibility of all kinds between men and women in the Armed Forces.

From bomb disposal vests only being designed for the male body, having to get your hair done off base are the salons were only geared and equipped to serve male soldiers, to having to keep their keys and ID cards in their hats because female uniforms had no pockets. With added insights into the camaraderie, team work, fun, hierarchy and the hard work required from our soldiers. This memoir is a must read for fellow memoir lovers, young, old, male, female and any aspiring soldiers waiting in the wings.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read, very funny and fascinating in equal measure!

[Andrea Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting read, I was gifted this book after my mum met the author, wasn’t sure if it was for me but I loved it, definitely worth a read and really made me think how things have changed for women and are continuing to do so.

Would love to hear more about this amazing woman’s life and stories from her career.

[Ross Azarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a powerful book, truly original and a must read for all feminists. I was blown away (pun intended) by the resilience of the women in general and Lucy in particular. I laughed out loud at the minefield story and the dinner nights.

A brilliant read!

[Sally Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I bought this after listening to Lucy speak at an AGM I attended. I loved her verbal stories and the book lived up to the same standard. Highly recommend

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more “tales” of incidents involved in. Much more. I appreciate some details would need to be kept confidential, but could have used some with a few alterations.

This mostly covered her training and the huge leap forward, in her lifetime, of women in the Armed Forces. That part was quite interesting, hence 3 stars. But I wanted more “stories”.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting parts about training in the military in the 1980s.
But a recurrent and irritating background theme of how remarkable it was and how she was setting a president by being the first female, which distracted a bit from the content of the stories.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful. Enjoyed a talk that Lucy gave - and found that the book went into her experiences into more depth.