Bravo Two Zero - 20th Anniversary Edition

By: Andy McNab

Narrated by: Paul Thornley

January 1991: IRAQ. Eight members of the SAS regiment embark upon a top-secret mission to infiltrate deep behind enemy lines. Under the command of Sergeant Andy McNab, they are to sever a vital underground communication link and to seek and destroy mobile Scud launchers. Their call sign: BRAVO TWO ZERO.

Each laden with 15 stones of equipment, they tab 20km across the desert to reach their objective. But within days, their location is compromised. After a fierce fire fight, they are forced into evasive action. Four men are captured. Three die. Only one escapes.

For the survivors, however, the worst ordeal is yet to come. Delivered to Baghdad, they are tortured with a savagery for which not even their intensive SAS training has prepared them.

Twenty years from its first publication, Bravo Two Zero still sets the gold standard for military memoirs. It is a breathtaking account of Special Forces soldiering: an action-packed chronicle of superhuman courage, endurance, and dark humour in the face of overwhelming odds.

©1993 Andy McNab (P)2014 Random House Audiobooks

detailed and rich story

nice listen. rich narration of accents. you could actually feel the pain in the story

Addicting

This story is so addicting it brought me to investigating other military books. This was so compelling it changed my thoughts about military biographies.

as touching as it is gruesome

Bravo Two Zero is a biographical account of an SAS soldier who is taken prisoner in Iraq. McNab's matter-of-fact retelling of his experience as a POW is, at times, as touching as it is gruesome.

The book begins with McNab’s brief overview of his rocky relationships and his draw to military life. From there, it sequences quickly into the failed foundation of the Brazo Two Zero mission, the blunders that filled their first hours in Iraq, and his ultimate capture and imprisonment. McNab’s style keeps the action in front of the reader with bold bluntness, not veiling or shying away from the realities of his time in prison.

Understanding the complex experiences and needs of soldiers returning from battle experience is essential. In Bravo Two Zero, McNab addresses the importance of education, camaraderie, and the toll of PTSD for today’s soldiers. Although harsh, this was a profoundly good read.

excellent, better than the movie

excellent- better than the movie and even the book. I really enjoyed the additional content at the end.

Phenomenal listen

The book was phenomenal by its self the cherry on top was list of questions and the responses. Greatly appreciate your story and praise McNab for his service.

Great book

This took place during my service time. I’m not British so it was interesting to hear this perspective.

excellent story of will to survive

amazing story, good performance by narrator, must listen too, shows the dark side of humanity

Revealing and honest

I knew the story outline before I read the book. I remember the story but listening brought out a lot more not just about the preparations and the team but also the honest way the mistakes and challenges were handled.
The most gripping part of this book is the lack of bravado and ego. He lets the reader into the lows and highs and takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions and battles.
Listening on audible the audio also adds to the intensity

I enjoyed it.

It was a good lesson. I'll check out Andy's other books. I appreciate it and this addition it gave an update on what he's been doing after the book was written.

It's amazing what a human body can endure.

It is even more amazing what a well-trained psyche can stand and cope with. This story is told in selfperspective by the author and gives us a perspective on hardships and wars. Fantastic story that takes you from a tough but easy going existence through hell and kicks out the devil for being too messy, and then back home.

The book touches your feelings right down to the soul. Andy Mcnab and his lads is one hell of a bunch who has the ability to overcome the most desperate of situations with training, intelligence and pure will.

In short: listen to it, it was a blast.