Simon Weston is familiar
to millions as the Welsh Guardsman who suffered horrific burns as a result
of the attack on the Sir Galahad during the 1982 Falklands War. His
story has been widely publicized and he has been the subject of two major
BBC television documentaries; but until now, Simon has never spoken to
anyone about what actually happened - how he saw his friends burn to death,
and how their faces have haunted him ever since, in nightmares and whenever
he sees a soldier in uniform.
In this book, for the first
time, Simon gives his own account of his experiences, from his childhood
in the small Welsh village of Nelson, which he left to join the Army, to
the unspeakably dreadful events on the Sir Galahad and his subsequent struggle
to reconcile himself with the war's physical and
emotional scars and to find
peace.
Simon's story is one of great
personal triumph over appalling tragedy and intense mental suffering.
After a period of deep despair during which he came close to suicide, Simon
found the strength to confront life again and to pursue - and achieve -
new goals: he now runs a charity in Liverpool which he set up to
help unemployed teenagers.
Published to coincide with
a third television documentary, Walking Tall carries a message of great
hope for all who have experienced sudden personal tragedy. Having
for years been reluctant - and too modest - to speak out, Simon now wishes
others to benefit from what he has been through and learned from.
And too many people, he feels, have turned truth into sensationalism, events
into fiction, for him to remain silent any longer.
Reviews
Angela
rated this book Poor
Simon is an inspiration! My son lost the use of both of his arms in an accident earlier this year, he's 18. If this book and his publicity is perceived as self indulgent to his fellow vets, then tough. He's not your mate/friend/work colleague anymore, he's making a living not making friends. I'm sorry for your suffering but to us mere
civilians, he is an inspiration. Inspiration is what some people need to be
able to get up in the morning and "get on with it". Turn the
anger/bitterness around and use it to your advantage, publish your own
book...I'll read it! Be positive, keep it real and take care! Without
inspiration, some people feel life is not worth living. If anyone knows of
another inspirational read, please email me lady33bird@aol.com
/font>
John Beveridge
rated this book Poor
I lost both legs in the Falklands and I have to say that if Simon Weston's self-publicity is what was gained for my loss, then I'm sorry, but it wasn't worth it. There are lots of vets like the other reviewers who are sick and tired of Simon Weston going on the telly, telling David Beckham not to think about him when he's trying to beat the Argentineans. Does he really think that we all constantly think about him and that he is doing us a favour by letting us relax? Weston's arrogance and self-aggrandising does a disservice to all vets. He was brave, no one can dismiss that, but do a couple of minutes bravery really justify a self-indulgent autobiographical account. I'm not sure every other brave vet would want as much publicity for their actions given the painful memories it brings up. Unemployed scouse teenagers? What about his comrades that he doesn't speak to anymore who have suffered from PTSD, or have had amputations and the like?
Edward
rated this book Average
Simon Weston suffered the
most terrible injuries through the Galahad tragedy, and I admire his courage
in overcoming those injuries and rebuilding his life, but if ever there
was over exposure Simon Weston is a fine example.
Whenever the Falklands war
is mentioned by any of the media and in whatever form Simon Weston will
be pictured giving his account and views. I am a Falklands veteran myself
and I am becoming bored with yet another documentry/ book column etc etc.
I was lucky enough not to suffer any physical injury in that war, but many
were not, and so I would like to read their accounts.
Surely the many injured guardsmen
who were on that ship on that fateful day will be wondering if Simon Weston
retook the Falklands by himself, move over Simon and give your mates a
chance we have heard your story, more than once
Mathew
Brodrick rated this book Average
I
read weston's book because I to was seriously injured on the Galahad, I
was badly burnt and lost my left leg and two fingers on my right hand,
I thought it was ok but to be honest it upset me a lot, I have been trying
to write my own account of the Falklands and I rang up Simon on several
occasions only to be told by his secretary that he will not accept calls
without an apointment, I have given up as I think he is an extremely arogant
man and thinks the world owes him a living, it may be my ptsd that is making
me bitter, but he used to talk to me when we were in the Battalion why
now is he sat in his ivory tower?
Jeff rated this book Excellent
top
class
Write you own review of this
Book
Please note that your review
will not show up on this page straight away.