Going Solo

As always, his style of writing is a pleasure to read, and although most younger readers prefer his macabre tales of fantasy, this is well worth adding to their Dahl Library.

Both ‘Boy’ and ‘Going Solo’ are the perfect way to introduce the developing younger reader to biographical/true-life stories, rather than remaining forever stuck in the magical realms of fantasy fiction. This book can be equally enjoyed by young and old alike … the sort of book a grandfather and grandson can read together!


Exciting tale, modestly read   December 10, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

The talent of Roald Dahl - As good a RAF flyer as an author it seems!

Going Solo is excellently written, first and foremost. Most of the narrative is on his exploits during WW2 when he was one of only a handful of pilots stationed in Greece/Middle East facing a German Air Force many, many times more in number.

Quite how he successfully fought through it is incredible. Yet he writes with charm and with no hint of egotism, as could be his right under such circumstances. Or maybe it was the standard for the time (if so I wish society was sincere like back then).

Ian Holm is the perfect reader for this book. As with "My Year" and "Boy" he reads clearly, & without patronising the younger audience by speaking in 'childlike' tones.

The book is universally accessable to all generations. I know a copy of the text has been in the family since publication, and now pubescent insomnia can be eased with this recording.

An absorbing listen - 153 mins never seemed so short.