De danske tigre - Lars Ulslev Johannesen

[goodreads]

Title: De danske tigre (The Danish Tigers)
Author: Lars Ulslev Johannesen
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 265
Date read: September, 2014

Lars Ulslev Johannesen was in charge of the military unit, which was sent off to replace a British force in the town of Musa Qala in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. The original task was to create the conditions necessary to improve life for the civilian population of the town, but unfortunately that was not to be. The Taliban was everywhere, the Danish unit came under fire daily and it took several attempts to even get the British unit out.

During their five week operation, the Danes were exposed to constant attacks from the Taliban, making it the first time since 1864 that Danish soldiers were in actual combat.


Not my usual reading fare, but Lars Ulslev is a friend of mine, and ever since I first heard of this book I knew I had to read it, in order to learn more about his background.

And as such it made for absolutely fascinating reading. I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like, but he did a terrific job at describing the situation in an engaging manner without making it a sensational account.

I already had a great deal of respect for Lars Ulslev because of who he is, but now I can add a deep sense of respect for his actions in the past as well. I don't know what I would have thought of the book if I hadn't know somebody involved, but as it is, I found it incredibly interesting.

Comments

[mattiescottage.livejournal.com]

Sounds enlightening. Makes me wish I could read Danish.

I personally find it useful and challenging to read how others have mentally approached and managed unexpected difficult situations.

[bogormen.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly! Me too :)