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Blood & Sand

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Blood & Sand

By: Frank Gardner
Narrated by: Alistair Petrie
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About this listen

 On June 6th 2004, in a quiet suburb of Riyadh, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner and cameraman Simon Cumbers were filming a programme on al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia when they were ambushed by Islamic gunmen. Simon was killed outright. Frank was shot and lay pleading for his life. A figure pumped four more bullets into his body at point blank range. Against all the odds, he survived. This is the remarkable account of his agonising journey to where he is today.© Frank Gardner; (P)Oakhill Publishing Ltd Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Funny

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Critic reviews

"[Gardner's] terrible experience only makes his analysis all the more telling." ( Evening Standard)
"He paints his love affair with the Middle East in vivid terms. His struggle with paraplegia as a result of his wounds has not diminished his affection for the area." ( The Herald)
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I've always had a lot of respect for Frank Gardner. He always gave an informed and balanced view of the issues under discussion. So l was looking forward to hearing his 'back story'. It's hard to believe how much the world and its politics could have changed in such a short space of time. A great listen that covers autobiography, politics and politicians, terrorism, religion and the media. It also illustrates the cumulative harm done in the middle-east by a whole series of ill-judged decisions and interventions by partisan governments/ fanatics / agencies/ etc. Yet through it all there is a backdrop of the kindnesses and humanity of countless individuals. A great listen, extremely well narrated.

Sad and hopeful tale of our times

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A compelling true story of life in the Arab world and the dangers you face.

Gripping.

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if you have an interest in the Middle East and of the rise of terrorism in this area this is a must read

Highly Recommended

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Written with undeniable grace, style and resiliency, this is an exceedingly interesting memoir of an engaging personality.

The author doesn't come from an underprivileged background, which I assume is the basis for some of the criticism that has come his way. Yet this a petty concern and does nothing to explain the character & fortitude of this man.

It must be a excruciatingly arduous and challenging task to forge something bright and useful from material so base & painful that it would be the finish of most of us and then to fill it full of life.

Gardner’s Guys & Style Are Admirable

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Totally absorbed by his story and recovery. Having a husband who suffered a spinal injury it was easy to understand his frustrations.

Determination

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I loved this book, it was a pleasure to listen too - the story was harrowing in places but funny in others. A great mixture, entertaining, harrowing and informative. All in all - well done and congrats.

Fab

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Having been lucky enough to spend some years in Egypt in the early '00s this book brings back such wonderful memories... Very authentic and definitely a good evaluation of the Egyptian generosity and openness to friendly, interested foreigners back then... My colloquial Arabic is not based on a learning of high Arabic and is almost forgotten now through disuse but stirred restlessly hearing the words used here.... I am sad that anyone is led to believe bad things of Islam because of the few extremists who perpetrate these acts of pure barbarism upon fellow humans.... A very poignant and direct book which is extremely well narrated and very much worth listening to.... Thank you Frank Gardner for putting your experiences on paper... I wish all the happiness you deserve Sir

Excellent...

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First hand account of what it’s like to be talented, well travelled and on the wrong end of a terrorist pistol. Harrowing, insightful and laugh out loud in one book. Genuinely nice to spend a few hours getting to know Frank. Read it.

A surprise

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A wonderful read, told with honesty and without self pity. What a brave man: what a brave and loving family. A quite remarkable and humbling book. Thank you!

Humbling

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What made the experience of listening to Blood & Sand the most enjoyable?

Excellent narration, including Arabic pronunciation when required, with a voice remarkably similar to that of the author. It sounds very authentic, like Frank Gardner is sitting in the room telling the story to a group of friends.

What other book might you compare Blood & Sand to, and why?

Any by John Simpson, who's also reported from war zones. Or Kate Adie.

Which character – as performed by Alistair Petrie – was your favourite?

He narrates well throughout.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Parts are quite demanding emotionally in that there's genuine suffering.

Any additional comments?

A fascinating insight into Gardner's life so far, remarkable in every way. Brings the reality of reporting fom areas of conflict into perspective for those of us who sit at home and watch. An incredible account of the injuries he suffered and how he dealt with a transformed life, but this is only a small part of the book.

Remarkable in every way

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