The guns of Navarone

Author: Alistair Maclean

Tone of story: suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
Time/era of story: 1930's-1950's
War Thriller: Yes
Armed Forces: Special Forces
Specific to - WW II
Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book

(courtesy: All read)

Easily one of the best books by Alistair Maclean and by far, one of the best World War II novels.

I will try to summarize the plot without giving out much. During world war II, the axis powers have control over the small Island Navarone. This Island hosts the most powerful guns, guns to which many ships of the Royal navy have fallen prey. On the Island Crete, there are about 2000 British soldiers who need to be evacuated and to accomplish this task the allied forces have to pass through Navarone.

All possible means of entering Navarone to destroy the guns have been tried and failed miserably. However, there is one route to enter Navarone which neither the allied forces nor the axis powers would term as possible means to enter the Island.

It is to accomplish this task, to enter the Navarone and destroy the guns Captain Keith Mallory, a famed mountain climber before world war II is chosen along with a team of the best in business. What happens next is an on-the-edge-of-the-seat thriller story.

The book describes some intense situations and some heart touching ones. Andrea, the silent and deadly Greek giant is one of the best war hero characters you will come across. He doesn’t talk much but conveys things to the point and is more dedicated than anyone else on the team.

I strongly recommend you read this book. It is not every day that you come across Alistair Maclean at his best.

Teasers: My Favourite Quote(s) from the book :

"There are no brave men and cowardly men in the world, my son. There are only brave men.To be born, to live to die - that takes a lot of courage in itself"

- Andrea to Stevens

Trivia:
A movie has been made on this book with the same title. For more details click here (Courtesy: IMDB)

Comments

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17/7/10

Anonymous said…

Nicely written.
But I have suggestion.
You can write about other books from this author and you can also write if this is a book of an omnibus and what are the other books in the omnibus.

Please try to explain more about what you felt about the book :)

You have a definite style of writing; different from others. You will go way ahead, keep writing, keep writing good

17/7/10

MuddassirShah said…

Hey Anonymous,
Thanks.
I really liked your feedback.
I will sure try and implement your feedback and if possible, I will edit the review for guns of Navarone and incorporate your feedback.
So keep watching this space.

:)

19/7/10

Anonymous said…

Thanks for the review.. Will pick it up..

20/7/10

MuddassirShah said…

@Sayed,
Man you write good reviews.
I ll keep following you ardently.
Lets keep our mutual passion going on.

20/7/10

JAL said…

This is a great film with Gregory Peck.

21/7/10

Indian Home Maker said…

Sounds interesting, even though I don't like war related reading... I find the historical part more interesting... will keep this one in mind.

25/7/10

MuddassirShah said…

@India Home Maker,
I am sure you will love this book.
Compliments to you. You have a great blog :)

25/7/10

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