CONTACT
by AFN CLARKE
This new expanded edition of AFN Clarke’s bestselling and controversial book CONTACT is a raw, visceral, “no-holds-barred” account of combat from one of the men we paid to kill. When first published it caused a furor for its devastating honesty and chilling revelations.
Clarke vividly recounts his experiences of two tours in Northern Ireland (in Belfast and Crossmaglen) as a Platoon Commander with Britain’s elite Parachute Regiment during the blood soaked 1970’s. Soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan comment on how relevant the book still is today, as the dangers, political agendas and religious roots underlying the conflict are eerily and heartbreakingly similar to their own more recent experiences.
Clarke takes us to heart of the action. We feel what it’s like to live each day with senses on high alert, waiting to be ripped apart by the accuracy of a sniper or a well-hidden bomb. We enter the private world of soldiers ordered to hold the lines in an ancient quarrel they have little affinity for, but whose consequences are deadly. We experience their emotions, fear, courage, humor, bravado and the anguish of death.
This expanded edition continues from where the print version ended, revealing the untold nightmare Clarke lived through having nearly died, with half his insides missing, suffering from PTSD and being expected to return to a “normal life”. A story of the scars of war that affect generations. Of heartache, courage and hope for peace.
“…the best account we have had of what it is like to serve in Northern Ireland…” Richard West, The Times Literary Supplement.
” … it is impossible to turn its pages without a profound sense of shock”. David Hewson, The Times.
” …. an unashamedly personal account … a fascinating view of fighting a war from a perspective which we may very rarely experience or hear about.” Michael Keene, Irish Evening Press.
“Captain Clarke is more than a serving solder, he is a writer of distinction.” Jack Gerson, Glasgow Sunday Standard.
“… its honesty and passion cannot be denied ….. Mr. Clarke has sent out a powerful and disturbing early warning signal.” Maurice Leitch, Daily Telegraph.
“The most telling and realistic soldier’s account to come out of the whole sorry mess. The emotions are as vivid as the events. Anger and frustration tinge every page.” Daily Mirror.