What happens when you've won the war... in Africa, at least?!
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This the third book of Milligan's war memoirs. It may come accross as somewhat lacking on its own because there isn't the desperate action of the other books. Therefore, I would suggest it be read in conjunction with his second book, 'Rommel: Gunner Who?'.
'Monty' covers the time from victory over the Axis powers in North Africa (1943) up to Milligan's departure for the campaign in Italy (read 'Mussolini'). This book sees Milligan and others of the 19th Brigade, RA enjoying more relaxed pursuits and being given some well deserved R&R. We also see much more of his qualities as a gifted musician and entertainer, teaming up with close friends and others to entertain troops in North Africa, even the likes of the great Admiral Cunningham from whom he personally manages to cadge a fag. He gets to meet many other accomplished entertainers (there's name-dropping throughout, though you need to be of a certain age to recognise some of them) and a pep talk from his new CO provides him with some valuable career advice along the lines of, "hold your trumpet straight when on stage and remember you represent the honour of regiment"!
Again Milligan writes you into his experiences; the desert heat, the cool rivers and beaches, the alchoholic stupours. He relates his bliss when at ease in natural surroundings and in good company and reflects on matters that touch him personally. Ah, but then he's a complex creature and is otherwise chasing after his more base insticts, especially when a pretty nurse shows some interest in him whilst he's recovering in hospital from from an infection.
Once again, Milligan proves himself a master when mixing comedy and pathos. The rib-tickling is accompanied by deeply introspective observations but Milligan enables you to slip so comfortably from one to another, such is his skill and honesty as a writer.
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Continues to entertain
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Everytime I pick up one of Milligan's war memoirs I think: "Oh, this one can't possibly be as good as the last" and everytime he proves me wrong. Although Monty is not as engaging as ROMMEL, it is still up there. The book covers the aftermath of the British victory in Africa, which consists of a lot of partying and a lot of sleeping. What's most entertaining is Milligan's recounts of his Old West obsessed father and his accident prone best friend, Harry Edgington. Once again, he makes you wish you were there to experience the times with him. These war memoirs are high reccommended!
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I laughed out loud
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and it is rare that a book makes me do that. Funny, moving and (allowing for a little artistic license) believable. Of the "series" Rommel? Gunner Who? ,Mussoloni;His Part in my Downfall, Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall - not the best but definitely worth a read. In fact - read them all.
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