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Painting the Sand

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Painting the Sand

By: Kim Hughes
Narrated by: Oliver Hemsbrough
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About this listen

This is a book about science, bombs and what happens to the human psyche when every day you go to work might be your last.

Kim Hughes is the most highly decorated bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army. He was awarded the George Cross in 2009 following a gruelling six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, during which he defused 119 improvised explosive devices, survived numerous Taliban ambushes and endured a close encounter with the Secretary of State for Defence.

The backdrop to Painting the Sand is the Afghan War, the conflict where the cold courage of the bomb disposal operator rose to national prominence. No other field of warfare offers the chance of a single individual to come so close to his enemy and fight out a battle of wits where losing means death. This is one of the best memoirs that will come out of a 10-year struggle to defeat a hidden and enduring enemy.

©2017 Kim Hughes (P)2017 Audible, Ltd Scary Thought-Provoking Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant  
I served in the same places only months prior.
Kim Pulls no punches and details the utter mess that is Afghanistan. Every soldier who served outside of Bastion will certainly identify with almost all of this crazy place and time.
The tears, exasperation and even the last minute changes which make you want to explode. But you smile, swear, take the Mickey and move on.
This is outstanding on audible.

Accurate, detailed and moving

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I found that the book never really seemed to get going. just a few stories about different missions that seemed a bit mundane. at the end of the day it's a bomb and it's dangerous. The beginning was more exciting than the ending.

author seems a bit cocky

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a riveting listen told by a true hero. if your having a bad work day think of this guy risking his life to clear a mine field that gets replanted by the Taliban as soon as his team has gone back to base.

outstanding

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This is a story about courage - a look at a very different sort of job (the kind that can end very badly in a moment). Centered around Kim Hughes' time in Afghanistan during the war - with daily missions to deal with IEDs it seemed almost pointless at times. Constantly clearing bombs only to have to come back and clear them again. Seeming perhaps petty - I did find his personal views about situations, people, his marriage somewhat wearying and times a little self pitying. That said he was more kindly towards his wife (possibly now ex-wife) nearer the end of the book.
An interesting tale about a dangerous way of life.

Interesting Story About a Dangerous Job

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eye opening, interesting, particularly in light of the car crash in Afghanistan in 2021. was it worth it? a good question that the author himself struggles to answer. anyway, very well written & authentic. loved it.

thank you for your service

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Not always an easy listen if you are squeamish. I am not so had no problem with the description of carnage you imagine from conflicts in war zones. Nonetheless it is a great insight for a civilian into the world of the armed forces, and in particular bomb disposal. I initially found the author quite bitter, but I think he was portraying his early years which left him angry, understandably.
I really enjoyed this book and was willing his team to get through their tour unscathed. Not my normal choice but highly recommend 👍

Fascinating

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Kim Hughes has written a starkly honest narrative of his time in Afghanistan. This is a compelling tale of skill, cool use of intellect, and raw courage, in the face of huge odds. The daily dangers faced by Hughes and his team are elegantly and unemotionally described, without unnecessary embellishments. Whatever your personal feelings about British involvement with the Afghan war, the courage, and extreme youth of those fighting, is moving and thought provoking, and the narration is excellent and compelling. A highly recommended listen.

War without window dressing

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I have never read a book like this before. Not my normal choice but it was amazing. What brave men.

Really good account of war zone.

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One of the clearest insight to the war I have heard, really excellent and I fully recommend this book.

Awesome

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makes me proud of what our armed forces do on a daily basis, to keep us safe

excellent book

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