An amazing life described with verve

I’ve listened to and enjoyed many of Frederick Forsyth’s novels: all characterised by exciting themes given veracity by the author’s great attention to detail. What I didn’t know was that many of his exciting story-lines are based on experiences he was actually involved in. This is certainly the most-action packed biography I've ever encountered. If this autobiography had been a novel I might have thought one life could not actually have so many over-the-top experiences and repeatedly defy death. It's like a cross between James Bond and Indiana Jones! It certainly makes for an enthralling listen as the content is extraordinary, the writing well-suited to audio and the narrator is excellent.

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4 people found this helpful

The back story of the stories that I loved so much

Would you listen to The Outsider again? Why?

Yes I would read it again because it is like a Novel ! What an amazing life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outsider?

I particularly like the chapter about Forsyth's early career as journalist and the steps of his first 3 books. Very insightful and shows how real and documented are the book events !

What about Robert Powell’s performance did you like?

The way he speaks as if Forsyth was speaking to our ears...

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Live your life like a novel !

Any additional comments?

I decided to re-read the full Forsyth book list after finishing this autobiography !

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Read this First

For anyone interested in reading any of the Frederick Forsyth books this is an excellent introduction to the man, the writer and his life. I have already read and or listened to his stories and now having finished The Outsider, I will revisit and read or listen to them again with renewed interest and enthusiasm. The narration byRobert Powell adds to the story and creates the perfect pitch as if one is having a personal talk with Forsyth himself, without doubt an excellent portrayal of one of the most informed writers of our time.

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Expansion needed

Very entertaining but more could have been said but the guilty had to be covered along with many secrets

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Excellent

A lifetime packed with adventure. Written with all the skill and intrigue you might expect from the master of quill and ink.

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More like the "Insider"

Where does The Outsider rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

9 out of 10. A must read book or listen to true story. Frederick Forsyth thank you, we (my wife and I) listened almost non stop to your amazing trials and tribulations.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outsider?

The final success of that flight in a Spitfire and the fact that it made a dream come true after 70 years.

What does Robert Powell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

To be honest I thought it was the author reading the story with such conviction and feeling.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The unfolding mess of Biafra and the way in which our Government hid facts from us despite the knowledge of what was really happening. "Suffer little children to come unto me". I shudder to think that once again we are hidden from the truth and all because those in power will not admit "they got it wrong". No wonder we are loosing faith in those elected to represent us.

Any additional comments?

I am not usually smitten by Autobiography's. I am pleased that I had the pleasure of hearing Frederick Forsyths talk when he attended the Fleet Air Arms Open day at Yeovilton this year. Until then I knew little of his life, possibly like you had read his most famous books.

Frederick, you would have made a very good Hunter Pilot I am sure. My brother Frederick H. met some of the difficulties of joining the services but like you he believed and became a Test Pilot at Farnborough and later at Boscombe Down and then joined British aerospace to help promote the Hawk and the Harrier in the southern hemisphere. He is (90) on Jan 7th 2017 and if your near Haslemere he would be delighted to have you join us for lunch.

I expect you will be to busy but the offer stands. Thank you again for all your time and effort in creating "A very good read"

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Witty, entertaining and a damn good listen

Loved this book, witty at times, very entertaining and whilst not compulsive listening, the book was finished quickly.

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a thriller in itself

great story, strong views but very entertaining, amusing, gripping and very well read. good read

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Fascinating story, outstanding narration

A fascinating life story, brilliantly written by Frederick Forsyth and accompanied by an outstanding narration from Robert Powell; the perfect voice, leaving you thinking you are listening to Forsyth himself.

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Superb

Brilliantly penned and beautifully narrated. What an absolute joy of a story. Thank you Messrs Forsyth & Powell

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1 person found this helpful