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Painting the Sand

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Painting the Sand

By: Kim Hughes
Narrated by: Oliver Hemsbrough
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About this listen

This is a book about science, bombs and what happens to the human psyche when every day you go to work might be your last.

Kim Hughes is the most highly decorated bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army. He was awarded the George Cross in 2009 following a gruelling six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, during which he defused 119 improvised explosive devices, survived numerous Taliban ambushes and endured a close encounter with the Secretary of State for Defence.

The backdrop to Painting the Sand is the Afghan War, the conflict where the cold courage of the bomb disposal operator rose to national prominence. No other field of warfare offers the chance of a single individual to come so close to his enemy and fight out a battle of wits where losing means death. This is one of the best memoirs that will come out of a 10-year struggle to defeat a hidden and enduring enemy.

©2017 Kim Hughes (P)2017 Audible, Ltd
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Honest powerful book full of truth and epic real life war and life stories and messages. Thankyou so much for sharing what goes on for an EOD operator

Hard hitting reality

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One of the best listens I have had in a long time.
Not over the top full of crap like US military books. I highly suggest a listen.

Fantastic narration by Oliver. I will listen to more of his books

Outstanding

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really makes you think seriously about war and the things people give up to be part of it.

gripping story.

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A very good book describing the trials and tribulations of an EOD Operator and the perilous requirements of such specialised duty.

Painting in the Sand

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I heard Kim Hughes interviewed on 3AW and thought I should give it a go. Well let me tell you the book is astonishing, you feel the anguish of his early years and the pride that develops as he discovers his unusual calling. Thank you Kim Hughes for this insight into the brave, the terrified, the injured and the dead that serve us all and deserve greater daily recognition. I will listen again.

You see through his eyes

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A solid recounting of what would be most people's nightmares, BZ EOD tech's .To many good people wasted on a failed state. Well written and narrated.

A solid recount of the perils of war.

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A fantastic first hand account of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal work in Afghanistan during Herrick 10. Interesting, gut wrenching, and gripping personal stories of managing a team of engineers, dealing with casualties, responding to a constantly changing environment, while addressing the intellectual and psychological challenges of working in this area. Highly recommended.

Excellent first hand account of EOD work in the field

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Easy listening & an enjoyable read. Thanks to all armed forces personnel for their service

Enlightening & Interesting

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I'd like this to be a note to the author. I myself had been considering joining the army here in Australia as a combat engineer and to specialize in EOD, I found this book thanks to my Dad and It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This is probably the first time I've ever heard a real, raw recount of a serviceman's time deployed with such detail. Although incredibly confronting with some of the situations that arose, I am only more driven to join, that might sound insane to some after hearing/reading this. I don't want to just try and be a hero or get into contact for some war story, but its clear to me that people need help. Not just friendly soldiers but also the innocent men, women and children caught in the crossfire, and I want to do my part. Thank you for writing this book and delivering bluntly how war is in its raw form, and although I'm not from the U.K, thank you for your service after all, its a combined effort over there.

Note to Author

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AMAZING story. a true hero. great listen for everyone
military or not. will not disappoint

Brilliant

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.