The events are set out not just from a high command perspective but from grass-roots, with all the human suffering, trauma, compassion and even survival. There is real compassion and human understanding, especially in Bosnia, with sufferings of all sides. The writing is attractive and very readable , modest, self-effacing, honest, with hints of P G Wodehouse(!), and intimate. Readers will feel involved and brought into author's confidence - and this is a gift of good authorship. There are deep and important themes apart from immediate policy and action, notably the nature of war and warfare as a fundamental human condition, the real-life horror of war, and self-sacrifice. And examination of leadership is very impressive, with the trust which is vital to success. A chapter on 'surprise' in political and military history is fascinating for historians. Technology is a vital theme and covered for the lay reader to grasp and even cyber technology. The chapters on relations with other arms, government bodies including the MOD and distinguished colleagues, and all ranks, are highly informative and reveal what to some is a secret world. AUTHOR: General Sir Richard Barrons, KCB, CBE, after Oxford (PPE) and RMA Sandhurst, served in the UK Armed Forces 1977-2016 and this his story of progress from 2nd Lieutenant to 4-Star General. It is series of letters to Manveen Rana, an editor, journalist and chief presenter of the 'In Our Times' podcast. His career spans service in Germany after the BAOR period, the Cold War, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and in the MOD at Chief of Staff level. He focusses on what it was like from a humorous angle and also deals with core issues of the day and particular themes, including leadership and the impact of technology.
