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Alan Judd
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A Breed of Heroes Kindle Edition

by Alan Judd (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 out of 5 stars 741 ratings
After university and Sandhurst, Charles Thoroughgood has now joined the Assault Commandos and is on a four-month tour of duty in Armagh and Belfast. The thankless task facing him and his men -- to patrol the tension-filled streets through weeks of boredom punctuated by bursts of horror -- takes them through times of tragedy, madness, laughter and terror.

Alan Judd tells Thoroughgood's tale with verve, compassion and humour. The result is an exceptionally fine novel which blends bitter human incident with army farce.

'Quite simply one of the best novels of army life I've read' Jack Higgins

'Entertaining and compulsively readable' Melvyn Bragg

'Human, sympathetic and engrossing' Daily Mirror
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  1. Print length
    347 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster UK
  4. Publication date
    5 Jan. 2012
  5. File size
    817 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product description

Review

‘Entertaining and compulsively readable… achieves a memorable authenticity.’ Melvyn Bragg

From the Back Cover

“Quite simply one of the best novels of army life I’ve read in years.”
JACK HIGGINS

After university and Sandhurst, Charles Thoroughgood has now joined the Assault Commandos and is on a four-month tour of duty in Armagh and Belfast. The thankless task facing him and his men – to patrol the tension filled streets through weeks of boredom punctured only by bursts of horror takes them through times of tragedy, madness, laughter and terror. Alan Judd tells Thoroughgood’s tale with verve, compassion and humour. The result is an exceptionally fine novel which blends bitter human incident with bizarre army farce that will make you laugh out loud.

”Entertaining and compulsively readable… achieves a memorable authenticity.”
MELVYN BRAGG

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0073IMNTS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster UK; Reissue edition (5 Jan. 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 817 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 347 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 741 ratings

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Alan Judd

Alan Judd

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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
741 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book authentic and a vivid portrayal of military life on the front line. They describe it as an engaging read with an amusing and delicate sense of humor. The writing style is described as well-written and easy to understand. Many readers find the book enlightening and interesting, illuminating the minutiae of routine and the hatred that prevailed. However, opinions differ on the character development - some find the characters realistic and warts and all, while others feel the characters lack development.

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23 customers mention ‘Authenticity’23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find the writing gritty and realistic, portraying a vivid picture of military life on the front line. The details are too vivid to be purely imaginary, and the book has an authentic feel.

"...It is wonderfully written and characterised, one of those books which really take you there as though you experienced it yourself...." Read more

"...Nevertheless, there is a very authentic feel to the book, which does maintain the reader's interest as it plods, rather than dashes, towards the..." Read more

"...tough conditions under which everyone operated were eye-opening and realistic...." Read more

"...It is also worth emphasising that Judd's eye for detail, knack of capturing atmosphere and inviting writing style make this book an enjoyable and..." Read more

20 customers mention ‘Readability’20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe it as a thoughtful, strong read that maintains their interest throughout.

"Surprisingly absorbing book, given that its main theme is the boredom and drudgery experienced by the troops confined within totally unsuitable..." Read more

"...there is a very authentic feel to the book, which does maintain the reader's interest as it plods, rather than dashes, towards the finish." Read more

"...of capturing atmosphere and inviting writing style make this book an enjoyable and satisfying read." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was doubtful about buying it - the title put me off...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Humor’10 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it amusing, with a light touch and delicate sense of humor. The author is described as an insightful and witty observer who explores the combination of cynicism, boredom, chaos, and horror. Overall, readers describe the book as well-written and interesting.

"...Moments of superb military humour are peppered throughout too. Most enjoyable if a little harrowing at times." Read more

"...in places, but written with a very light touch and a delicate sense of humour." Read more

"...life at the time and encouraged by Melvin Bragg's quoted review; ‘Entertaining and compulsively readable… achieves a memorable authenticity.’..." Read more

"...Unlike Crawdads, any description is tedious and uninspiring...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Writing style’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the author's skillful observation of military life and communication styles.

"...It is wonderfully written and characterised, one of those books which really take you there as though you experienced it yourself...." Read more

"...that Judd's eye for detail, knack of capturing atmosphere and inviting writing style make this book an enjoyable and satisfying read." Read more

"...being a rubbish tale of gung-ho heroes it is in fact a gentle tale, well written, with a natural flow and progression which carries the reader..." Read more

"...Frightening in places, but written with a very light touch and a delicate sense of humour." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Enlightenedness’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening and entertaining. It provides an interesting reminder of how far the situation has improved in Northern Ireland. They appreciate the realistic portrayal of routines contrasted with eruptions of violence. The book brings back memories and fears for the author as a squaddie in Northern Ireland.

"...and the tough conditions under which everyone operated were eye-opening and realistic...." Read more

"...and I'm glad that I persevered because I found it to be an interesting insight as to what it must have been like to be a British soldier in..." Read more

"...about the British Army presence in Belfast, but this illuminated the minutiae of routine contrasted with eruptions of disquiet and violence, set..." Read more

"Enlightening. I liked the way Alan Judd describes everything and made their way of living and talking very clear...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Character development’5 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development. Some find the characters realistic and witty, showing a range of military characters. Others feel the plot is leaden and there are too many characters.

"...There are several main characters and a general sense of progression...." Read more

"I found the large cast of characters difficult to identify individually - kept getting confused between them...." Read more

"...The author is an acute and witty observer, and shows us a range of military characters 'warts and all'...." Read more

"...It is slow and the inner monologues are self indulgent. Character development was non-existent...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Story length’0 positive7 negative

Customers find the story too long and jumpy. They feel the story is far-fetched at times, with long chapters. The book is described as a lighthearted account of life as an army officer. However, some readers found the ending odd and the inner monologues self-indulgent.

"...added to the story, but I have to admit that I found the ending a bit odd, as I found myself wanting closure to whether he actually left the army or..." Read more

"I've lived through 'The Troubles' and felt at times the story was a tad far fetched...." Read more

"Rather a stilted tale set against the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland and following Charles Thoroughgood, a reluctant officer who had..." Read more

"Not a thriller, action nor adventure, as advertised and categorised. It is slow and the inner monologues are self indulgent...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • John Richard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Is it really a novel?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 September 2007
    Verified Purchase
    Surprisingly absorbing book, given that its main theme is the boredom and drudgery experienced by the troops confined within totally unsuitable accommodation during the Northern Ireland conflict in the early seventies. It is steadfastly referred to as a novel by both the author and by reviewers but it simply does not read like one. Rather it reads like a first person account of the appalling four months covered by the narrative, in many ways the oft told soldier's story of long periods of total ennui punctuated by brief moments of terror. It is wonderfully written and characterised, one of those books which really take you there as though you experienced it yourself. Moments of superb military humour are peppered throughout too. Most enjoyable if a little harrowing at times.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Jl Adcock
    4.0 out of 5 stars Down to earth novel of army life in Northern Ireland
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 September 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Anyone looking for a fast-paced shoot 'em up thriller set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles should not read Alan Judd's A Breed Of Heroes. Judd's take on the subject is more methodical, matter-of-fact and documentary in approach, and it works all the better for that. We follow the story of graduate officer Charles Thoroughgood on his tour of Northern Ireland. Along the way, he becomes increasingly detached to the challenges of life in the army. Long spells of boredom are interspersed with violence, and Judd's slightly dark humour makes these events all the more shocking when they do occur. The book is quite dry to read at times, the style a little dated and perhaps like something Waugh would have produced on the subject. Nevertheless, there is a very authentic feel to the book, which does maintain the reader's interest as it plods, rather than dashes, towards the finish.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mr John Leonard
    3.0 out of 5 stars Realistic and helpful to imagine what being a soldier in Belfast must have been like
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I found the large cast of characters difficult to identify individually - kept getting confused between them. But the accounts of interaction between locals and military personnel, the pressures on the flawed commanding officer, and the tough conditions under which everyone operated were eye-opening and realistic. The account came over as by an author who had himself experienced first-hand the realities of peace-keeping and civil unrest.
    Helpful
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  • MTG
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good, genuinely atmospheric read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I remember seeing newsreels, documentaries and articles about 'The Troubles' but, reading Alan Judd's 'A Breed of Heroes' is the first time I have felt fully immersed in what it must have been like to be a British soldier stationed there - not just the front line dangers and interactions with locals but the daily discomfort of living in make-shift barracks. It gave me a heightened respect for the brave people who served there. It is also worth emphasising that Judd's eye for detail, knack of capturing atmosphere and inviting writing style make this book an enjoyable and satisfying read.
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  • Rocklandchap
    4.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful read.........
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I gradually slipped into reading this story, and I'm glad that I persevered because I found it to be an interesting insight as to what it must have been like to be a British soldier in Belfast during the late 70's and early 80's. I was taken with the central character's somewhat phlegmatic approach of just getting on with it and dealing with whatever lifer threw at him during his time in Belfast, whist actually recognising that he wished to leave the army.

    The story around his journalistic freelancing added to the story, but I have to admit that I found the ending a bit odd, as I found myself wanting closure to whether he actually left the army or decided to stay in.

    I know that I enjoyed the book though, because I found myself seeking it out during quiet moments in my day, in order to find out how the story was progressing.
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  • Poadster
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gentle well written tale
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was doubtful about buying it - the title put me off. But rather than being a rubbish tale of gung-ho heroes it is in fact a gentle tale, well written, with a natural flow and progression which carries the reader through. The characters, even the crowds, are excellently drawn, and as a reader you have a feeling that this is 'true', this is how things were ..... and probably how they still are for troops today, in different locations.
    One person found this helpful
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  • David Y Davies
    4.0 out of 5 stars A very good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 June 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book provided a very interesting insight into life in Northern Ireland during the troubles from the point of view of the peace keeping forces. Frightening in places, but written with a very light touch and a delicate sense of humour.
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  • Helen McVeigh
    3.0 out of 5 stars Far fetched and one sided.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 March 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I've lived through 'The Troubles' and felt at times the story was a tad far fetched. I know it was written from the perspective of a soldier but some of the things written about the Belfast people I felt was unfair. The Belfast people (from both sides of the divide) are the salt of the earth. They were trying times for everybody concerned. I don't think the soldiers lived in such squalid conditions as stated in the story. The Army was treated with disdain but in reality they'd only themselves to blame because of the way they treated some members of the public.
    I can picture the OC and would well believe his description and actions were spot on.
    As for them all returning home by parachute, I find that hard to believe and that wouldn't have happened.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • edward t lagan
    4.0 out of 5 stars One for the old and bold
    Reviewed in Australia on 3 August 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Sim sticks with equipment are port and starboard not “rear doors”. A “hat is still a hat”. Cracking good read that man.
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  • Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars sehr guter Kundenservice
    Reviewed in Germany on 1 September 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Nach einen Stotterer bei den Versandkosten hat Bookbarn nicht nur äußert zügig sondern auch sehr kulant die entstandendenen Mehrkosten erstattet - sehr empfehlenswert
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  • Lit Chick
    4.0 out of 5 stars War as farce
    Reviewed in the United States on 4 March 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent portrayal of the banality of war.
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