The Paratroopers of the French Foreign Legion: From Vietnam to Bosnia

Rating:
Summary: Not at all entertaining
Review: I was not at all entertained by this book. I have read several books on the French Foreign Legion and this one was probably the most boring; in fact, it was text-book-boring. I tried reading it and just could not endure it beyond the first 100 pages. It may have historical detail as mentioned in other reviews, but it is certainly very dry and has no exciting moments or narrative. Sort of like telling war stories while on elephant tranquilizers.

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive story of REP and La Légion Etrangère
Review: This book is very in depth about the 1er and 2eme REP. It covers mostly the second, but it has some history of the first. Out of the entire book, only about 1/3 is history. The rest is the modern organization, weapons, training, people and duties of the last remaining parachute regiment. The author writes well, and much of the book he describes a personal trip he took to Calvi, Corsica to interview, observe, and interact with the legionnaires of the 2eme REP. This book also covers much of the Legion in general, so this book is off all prospective recruits. Buy it, it is a very good book.

Rating:
Summary: A look inside a lifestyle of adventure and tradition.
Review: This book, having bought and read it about 18 months ago, finds me now - 31 March 1999 in Metz, France - about to follow in the path of those men written about by the author. Its descriptive narrative combined with historic facts and personal stories of the various men, convinced me after many years of self doubt that this, The French Foreign Legion, is the lifestyle and destiny I seek for myself! It makes for easy reading, that is hard to put down till the end.

Rating:
Summary: Great book, touches all bases
Review: This is a good book. I think it's best for those who are more interested in military history in general. I expected something else but that's my fault for not reading the description. This book gives and accurate account of history as well as interviews with legionaires AND personal thoughts. I recommend this book for those intersted in history. Not for those interested in joining.