OSAMA

Osama is an account of the US Intelligence mission to bring about the death of Osama Bin Laden, told from the perspective of a UK Special Forces soldier, Joe Mansfield, who was also there with his team. Joe saw something that night and although he does not know what it is, someone is taking no chances and the book relates Joe’s tale of treachery and deception as that someone tries to take him out of the picture.

It is a typical Ryan; in that its fast paced, political and pulls no punches throughout. The action scenes, violence and death are credible within the story line and actually make you believe that this scenario has happened, which is something I always find myself wondering after reading one of Ryan’s books. Osama was no exception there and once again I want to talk to Chris and ask how much of this book is fiction.

The enemy is not always who you would expect and I feel that some of the UK allies are not going to be overly happy with their portrayal, and there will be many who struggle to have empathy with Joe, who as the main character did not appear overly likeable. However, bearing in mind what he was going through, I think the way he is written is right and actually enhances the reality of the story.