Books Similar to Piece Of Cake
Discussion
Confused as to where this should go. I am looking for help in what books to look for but am sure I will get the best response in this sub-forum.
I read Piece Of Cake for the first time the other week and have caught a bug for the grittier, more realistic WW2 RAF novel. What else should I be looking for that follows in a similar vein? I have already ordered the sequels.
Any help appreciated!
I read Piece Of Cake for the first time the other week and have caught a bug for the grittier, more realistic WW2 RAF novel. What else should I be looking for that follows in a similar vein? I have already ordered the sequels.
Any help appreciated!
Derek Robinson also wrote a WW1 story called "Goshawk Squadron". Given the recent interest in all things WW1, then maybe you might find that interesting.
Surisingly, the Biggles stories set in WW1 are also relatively "gritty" (compared to the later more "boys adventure" style stories set in the 30s, 40s and 50s).
W E Johns had been a flier in WW1 so some of the action depicted is semi-autobiographical.
Surisingly, the Biggles stories set in WW1 are also relatively "gritty" (compared to the later more "boys adventure" style stories set in the 30s, 40s and 50s).
W E Johns had been a flier in WW1 so some of the action depicted is semi-autobiographical.
If you can overlook several glaring errors, "Grey Eagles" is worth a read, it's about a group of German pilots re-fighting a dogfight from the end of WW2, but in America.
Well at least it made me go and see Planes of Fame at Chino the last time I was over there.
Would make a good "Boys Own-type" film.
Well at least it made me go and see Planes of Fame at Chino the last time I was over there.
Would make a good "Boys Own-type" film.
Try 'Under an English Heaven' by Robert Radcliffe - about a US bomber crew based in East Anglia
Also 'Across the Blood Red Skies' about WW1 flyers by the same author and 'The Dambusters' (assume you'll know what that one's about!).
For an interesting more general view with a good motor racing/motoring bent try 'Early on Morning' by Robert Ryan - based on the life of racer Grover Williams, or 'After Midnight' by the same author, about a Liberator crew and motorcycle racing.
I can thoroughly recommend novels by both these authors which have topics ranging from the Great Train Robbery to Artic expeditions!
Also 'Across the Blood Red Skies' about WW1 flyers by the same author and 'The Dambusters' (assume you'll know what that one's about!).
For an interesting more general view with a good motor racing/motoring bent try 'Early on Morning' by Robert Ryan - based on the life of racer Grover Williams, or 'After Midnight' by the same author, about a Liberator crew and motorcycle racing.
I can thoroughly recommend novels by both these authors which have topics ranging from the Great Train Robbery to Artic expeditions!
Eric Mc said:
Derek Robinson also wrote a WW1 story called "Goshawk Squadron". Given the recent interest in all things WW1, then maybe you might find that interesting.
Also, "War Story, 'Hornet's Sting," "A Good Clean Fight" and "Damned Good Show"So, Mr Robinson's output should keep the OP busy for a bit longer yet...
If you also want American viewpoint and don't mind a different war read Chickenhawk. Bob Mason flew Hueys in the Vietnam war.
Most people I know who have read this regard it as the finest book of its type.
Pilots of my acquaintance are happy to admit reading and rereading it avidly.
I willingly suggest Robert Radcliffe and James Holland's books too.
Do read First light soon.
Most people I know who have read this regard it as the finest book of its type.
Pilots of my acquaintance are happy to admit reading and rereading it avidly.
I willingly suggest Robert Radcliffe and James Holland's books too.
Do read First light soon.
Eric Mc said:
Historian James Holland has also written a couple of WW2 novels centered on the Battle of Britain. These are worth digging out.
Holland also co-wrote "First Light" with Geoffrey Wellum - one of the best and most honest biographies of a WW2 fighter pilot.
I'm a great fan of Holland's books Eric but I can't find any reference to him co-authoring First Light (in either of my copies...) Both are listed as authored by Geoffrey Wellum only.Holland also co-wrote "First Light" with Geoffrey Wellum - one of the best and most honest biographies of a WW2 fighter pilot.
Frank Barnard has written several RAF/flying/WW11 novels which grabbed my attention. Fiction has to be good to get past my passion for reality/ism
Blue Man Falling, Band Of Eagles and To Play The Fox
You might like them.
perdu said:
If you also want American viewpoint and don't mind a different war read Chickenhawk. Bob Mason flew Hueys in the Vietnam war.
Most people I know who have read this regard it as the finest book of its type.
Yup, excellent read.Most people I know who have read this regard it as the finest book of its type.
Been proved since that all events portrayed are not strictly autobiographical, but, that shouldn't detract from what is an absorbing read.
Other worthwhile autobiographical reads worth seeking out is Fly For Your Life - Bob Stanford-Tuck.
Yertis said:
'Sagitarrius Rising', by Cecil Lewis, sets the bar for all autobiographies on aerial warfare IMO.
Pretty impressive: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Arthur_LewisGassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff