Holidays are the ultimate excuse to sprawl out on the balcony, pretending to be an intellectual while I tackle all those books I’ve been meaning to read but somehow never got around to—sipping chardonnay like I’m at a fancy gala, all while keeping an eye on yachts and canoes gliding by on the lake—pure bliss, that is, until the crowds come rolling in like a surprise sequel to a movie I didn’t even want to watch!
“Red One: A Bomb Disposal Expert on the Front Line” is a gripping and often disturbing look at modern warfare from a vulnerable viewpoint. Written by Kevin Ives, it shares his experiences as a British Army bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan, where the main threat comes from improvised explosive devices rather than conventional weapons. The story emphasizes careful, slow actions and constant risk assessment, highlighting that one mistake can lead to disaster.
What gives the book its strength is its restraint. Ives does not dramatise his work beyond what the reality already provides. The tension comes from procedure: the weight of the suit, the awkwardness of movement, the oppressive heat, and the knowledge that every wire, pressure plate, or disturbed patch of earth has been designed specifically to kill someone like him. These moments are described plainly, which only heightens their impact. The reader is brought close to the psychological reality of the job, where fear is not a surge of adrenaline but a steady companion that must be acknowledged, controlled, and set aside in order to function.
The book provides valuable insights into the Afghan conflict, highlighting how bomb disposal work is part of everyday counter-insurgency efforts that protect patrols, supply routes, and civilians. The IED threat is shown as a constant influence on behavior, morale, and unit relationships. Teamwork is emphasized, with the trust between soldiers depicted as crucial and difficult to earn, developed in situations where they must rely on each other completely.
The emotional toll of this work is addressed honestly. Instead of glorifying heroism, the book discusses stress, fatigue, and the heavy burden of facing danger repeatedly. Ives speaks about duty—to fellow soldiers, to civilians, and to family—without being sentimental. The outcome is a genuine depiction of courage: calm, professional, and often tired. It also highlights that modern warfare often depends on individuals pushing the limits of human endurance in roles that go unnoticed by the public.
As a war memoir, Red One is clear and credible. It avoids exaggeration and politics, focusing on real experiences of soldiers in unseen battlefields that suddenly become dangerous. For those interested in modern conflict, bomb disposal, or the human side of military operations, this book is worth reading. It’s not easy, but it offers a compelling and respectful view of a risky profession that stays with you after you finish.
This was an Ok read. I wouldn’t pay full price, but as an ex-library book in the Salvos for 50 cents well worth it.