The Guns of Navarone by Alistair MacLean

On one island 1200 British soldiers are trapped and will soon be attacked by the Axis Alliance. Off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea the Germans and Italians control a cluster of islands and the area shipping lanes. From the first page, the esteemed war thriller author, Alistair MacLean, engages his reader. Quite by accident I picked this up and started reading. “More often than not, it is in the darkness of agony and exhaustion that the spirit of man burns most brightly.” Overall, it was a very enjoyable, gripping read, and one in which gets me excited to read more of MacLean’s work, particularly the sequel, Force 10 From Navarone.

There were enough differences between the novel and the film to keep me guessing and occasionally surprised at various characters or plot turns. Stevens had perhaps the most powerful character arc of all, proving that MacLean could write quite emotionally at times too. What I don’t like are them nasty cannon shells and bullets that can ventilate a man in all the wrong places.”Īll the characters were incredibly well-developed, and unique in their own ways, which helped me forge a connection to them. His one-liners and sense of humour were a breath of fresh air in often grim circumstances they found themselves in. The character of Dusty Miller was my favourite. MacLean’s dialogue was a highlight, while some descriptive scenes came across slightly flowery – though it could be a sign of the era it was written. He knows what he’s talking about and this helped immerse me into the story, often feeling like I was alongside the characters as they attempted their impossible mission. MacLean’s own war service and Naval experiences really added to the authenticity especially the language. Who knows, some day we might even go climbing together.” I trust we do not meet again - not at least, until the war is over.

The futility of war was a strong undercurrent throughout, which made for some fascinating passages, such as mission-leader Mallory’s words to an enemy soldier. There are numerous differences between the novel and film, yet despite this, I feel both author and filmmakers simultaneously made the right decisions. This is the first novel I've read in a long time that I found hard to put down! MacLean doesn’t waste time getting down to business. The Guns of Navarone is fast-paced, just like the film. It was impossible not to imagine the likes of Gregory Peck as Mallory, Anthony Quinn as Andrea, and David Niven as Miller while reading this. Gettin’ downright unhealthy round these parts.”

I wore out the VHS of this growing up, so it was time I finally read the novel!

The Guns of Navarone by Alistair MacLean