CONTACT

Description

CONTACT is a powerful, evocative portrait of warfare…a soldier's story, no punches pulled, no truths varnished over, no cover-ups…revealing the scars of war that affect generations on all sides of a conflict. A story of heartache, courage and hope for peace. "...the best account we have had of what it is like to serve in Northern Ireland..." The Times Literary Supplement " ...a major contribution to our understanding...Contact is the work of a brave writer." Irish News “Gripping, concise and gritty – amazing read!” AFN Clarke's bestselling and controversial autobiography CONTACT is a raw, visceral, "no-holds-barred" account of his two tours in Northern Ireland (in Belfast and Crossmaglen) with Britain's elite Parachute Regiment in the blood-soaked 1970s during "The Troubles". It was first published in 1983, became an instant best seller, was praised by reviewers from various sides of the conflict for its devastating honesty and courage, and made into an award-winning BBC TV film which is still available today through the British Film Institute. A special hardcover edition released in March 2023 marks the 40th Anniversary of the book’s publication. That it’s still selling strong after 40 years is a testament to its timeless relevance with readers. In CONTACT Clarke takes us into the private world of soldiers operating under extreme stress and living each day with their senses on high alert. Where the enemy wears no uniform and shoots from the shadows, and the bomber's trip-wire is an ever-present nightmare. We experience their emotions, fear, courage, humour, bravado and the anguish of death. The dangers, political agendas and religious roots underlying the conflict are eerily and heartbreakingly similar to Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflict zones today, where soldiers are ordered to hold the lines in an ancient quarrel they have little affinity for, but whose consequences are deadly. The latest edition includes a section omitted from the original version where Clarke reveals what it was like to be in his twenties, go to hell and come back having nearly died with half his insides missing, suffering from physical, mental and emotional upheaval and being expected to return to a "normal life". It’s a story of the scars of war that affect generations on all sides of a conflict. Of heartache, courage and hope for peace. Available as an eBook, Paperback and Hardback. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT was reviewed by soldiers who served with Captain Clarke as verification of his recollections. Readers outside the UK are invited to visit desertcart.co.uk for soldier's reviews/comments. In support of the peaceful resolution of conflict In 2010 – in support of their efforts at peacebuilding and conflict resolution - AFN Clarke accepted an invitation from the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation to participate in a Peace & Reconciliation conference in Warrington, UK which was attended by individuals from various 'sides' of the Northern Ireland conflict, as well as from other parts of the world embroiled in similar multi-faceted conflicts. He also travelled to Derry, Northern Ireland, to participate in an associated educational program about 'The Troubles' designed for school children and a panel discussion on ‘The Troubles’ with representatives from various sides of the conflict. PRESS/SOLDIER REVIEWS “…unashamedly personal account...a fascinating view of fighting a war from a perspective which we very rarely experience or hear about.” Irish Evening Press “…its honesty and passion cannot be denied….Mr Clarke has sent out a powerful and disturbing early warning signal.” Daily Telegraph "One of the best military stories that I have ever read.” Steven McLaughlin, Author of Squaddie: A Soldier's Story. UK 2010.