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The Crossroad
On 2 September 2008, in a valley in eastern Afghanistan, Trooper Mark Donaldson made a split-second decision that would change his life. His display of extraordinary courage that day saw him awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, making him the first Australian to receive our highest award for bravery in wartime since Keith Payne in 1969.
Yet Mark's journey to those crucial moments in Afghanistan was almost as exceptional as the acts that led to his VC.
He was a rebellious child and teenager, even before the death of his father - a Vietnam veteran - when Mark and his brother were in their mid-teens. A few years later, their mother disappeared, presumed murdered. Her body has never been found.
Mark's decisions could have easily led him down another path, to a life of self-destructiveness and petty crime. But he chose a different road: the army. It proved to be his salvation and he found himself a natural soldier, progressing unerringly to the SAS, the peak of the Australian military.
From his turbulent early years to the stark realities of combat in the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan, Mark's book is the frank and compelling story of a man who turned his life around by sheer determination and strength of mind.
Yet Mark's journey to those crucial moments in Afghanistan was almost as exceptional as the acts that led to his VC.
He was a rebellious child and teenager, even before the death of his father - a Vietnam veteran - when Mark and his brother were in their mid-teens. A few years later, their mother disappeared, presumed murdered. Her body has never been found.
Mark's decisions could have easily led him down another path, to a life of self-destructiveness and petty crime. But he chose a different road: the army. It proved to be his salvation and he found himself a natural soldier, progressing unerringly to the SAS, the peak of the Australian military.
From his turbulent early years to the stark realities of combat in the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan, Mark's book is the frank and compelling story of a man who turned his life around by sheer determination and strength of mind.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 4, 2013
This is the book of a great Australian who has battled both at home and in war. His story is one that will motivate and make you proud of the type of bloke who serves on the frontline. He bears the burden of the cross with humility and stands among our greatest heroes. A great read.
March 10, 2017
The Crossroad by Victoria Cross Recipient Mark Donaldson is not dramatically written, crafted for enjoyment nor does it contain any amazing soundbite messages of hope or bravery.
Indeed what this book does contain is honesty and candor. I don't think I've read any autobiographical piece that simply laid everything out in plain language and allowed the reader to simply make their own mind up about it. Donaldson doesn't use his platform to plug politics, beliefs social issues, nothing its just his story as he found it. Humble he breezes over the actual actions that got him the VC and explains his connections to his army brothers, his family and what day-to-day life was like in Afghanistan.
Particularly poignant was a reflection Donaldson made after killing another solider. While Donaldson presents himself as a simple man he clearly has a heart.
I do have to say one piece that probably won't go down well with other fans of the book, but as a pacifist and generally anti-war person Donaldson's story highlights just how messed up modern warfare is, the number of innocent people he almost shot, the mayhem of firefights, the conflict between on the ground soldiers and brass and even Donaldson's reaction to getting shot all remind us that war isn't glorious its ugly, dirty and violent
Indeed what this book does contain is honesty and candor. I don't think I've read any autobiographical piece that simply laid everything out in plain language and allowed the reader to simply make their own mind up about it. Donaldson doesn't use his platform to plug politics, beliefs social issues, nothing its just his story as he found it. Humble he breezes over the actual actions that got him the VC and explains his connections to his army brothers, his family and what day-to-day life was like in Afghanistan.
Particularly poignant was a reflection Donaldson made after killing another solider. While Donaldson presents himself as a simple man he clearly has a heart.
I do have to say one piece that probably won't go down well with other fans of the book, but as a pacifist and generally anti-war person Donaldson's story highlights just how messed up modern warfare is, the number of innocent people he almost shot, the mayhem of firefights, the conflict between on the ground soldiers and brass and even Donaldson's reaction to getting shot all remind us that war isn't glorious its ugly, dirty and violent
September 14, 2020
Thanks to Mark Donaldson's autobiography The Crossroad I've come to the conclusion I don't have to like the person I'm reading about to appreciate the story. For at least the first six chapters I actively disliked him for his behavior and his attitudes and I desperately wanted to put the book aside. Mark Donaldson described himself as determined and stubborn and I too have a stubborn streak, especially when it comes to finishing a book. I don't like to succumb once I've started and so I persisted. Although it's not a book I'd describe as enjoyable it provided me with much food for thought and educated me on many things. So, despite all things I am glad to have read it.
Mark Donaldson was a relatively junior trooper in the Australian SAS in 2008 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his courageous actions in Afghanistan. This medal was the first awarded to any Australian during wartime for almost 40 years. His story starts on the day of that military action and it then takes readers back to his childhood and works his way back to his VC and beyond to his Young Australian of the Year Award. Though I struggled with the book early on there were elements I came to appreciate. There's no doubt he was dedicated to his training and I did enjoy hearing about the various tests and ordeals the candidates were put through on the road to the SAS. These people are made of incredibly strong stuff. He and other SAS personnel sacrificed their family time and willingly put their lives on the line in an effort to serve their country and protect us from the enemy, from terrorism and other threats. I can admire all of these things, even if I still question some of his motives. For example, as a tearaway teen he'd been rebellious and a fighter and I couldn't help feeling he still liked to fight. Perhaps I'm too much of a pacifist but I found I couldn't relate to him at times, especially when he said things like "Fighting is more enjoyable when your enemy is on the run". Personally, I can't imagine using the words fighting and enjoyable in the same sentence but that's just me.
Moral questions were raised about the kinds of life and death judgement calls they have to make in the line of duty. I must admit this gave me food for thought and I did not envy anyone who found themselves in that kind of situation. I enjoyed hearing about how the SAS introduced dogs, how they were trained and how effective they were. I liked hearing him speak of his wife and child and how he missed them when he was overseas on active duty.
I can imagine this book would be highly regarded by other military types. It's probably wrong to say it's a blokes book as many of my female book club friends spoke highly of it, but that is how I perceived it. I'm sure there are many who'd have been excited by this sneak peak inside the military with his use of war related acronyms, the mention of weapons, types of guns, explosives, even the jargon. So, if you are that way inclined I would highly recommend it. Even if you're not, I certainly wouldn't discourage you from reading it. This man is after all a modern day war hero and his story is interesting, just go into it knowing what to expect.
Mark Donaldson was a relatively junior trooper in the Australian SAS in 2008 when he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his courageous actions in Afghanistan. This medal was the first awarded to any Australian during wartime for almost 40 years. His story starts on the day of that military action and it then takes readers back to his childhood and works his way back to his VC and beyond to his Young Australian of the Year Award. Though I struggled with the book early on there were elements I came to appreciate. There's no doubt he was dedicated to his training and I did enjoy hearing about the various tests and ordeals the candidates were put through on the road to the SAS. These people are made of incredibly strong stuff. He and other SAS personnel sacrificed their family time and willingly put their lives on the line in an effort to serve their country and protect us from the enemy, from terrorism and other threats. I can admire all of these things, even if I still question some of his motives. For example, as a tearaway teen he'd been rebellious and a fighter and I couldn't help feeling he still liked to fight. Perhaps I'm too much of a pacifist but I found I couldn't relate to him at times, especially when he said things like "Fighting is more enjoyable when your enemy is on the run". Personally, I can't imagine using the words fighting and enjoyable in the same sentence but that's just me.
Moral questions were raised about the kinds of life and death judgement calls they have to make in the line of duty. I must admit this gave me food for thought and I did not envy anyone who found themselves in that kind of situation. I enjoyed hearing about how the SAS introduced dogs, how they were trained and how effective they were. I liked hearing him speak of his wife and child and how he missed them when he was overseas on active duty.
I can imagine this book would be highly regarded by other military types. It's probably wrong to say it's a blokes book as many of my female book club friends spoke highly of it, but that is how I perceived it. I'm sure there are many who'd have been excited by this sneak peak inside the military with his use of war related acronyms, the mention of weapons, types of guns, explosives, even the jargon. So, if you are that way inclined I would highly recommend it. Even if you're not, I certainly wouldn't discourage you from reading it. This man is after all a modern day war hero and his story is interesting, just go into it knowing what to expect.
March 3, 2014
I heard an interview with him on the radio and bought the book on the strength of that. It was a great read. Very inspirational as well as sad and in places brutal. I liked that he acknowledged that it wasn’t easy for his wife being left at home (my hubby was a submariner for 10 years). There were also humorous parts and some of the antics that the guys got up to made me laugh. All up a fascinating look into his life and the SAS.
August 5, 2014
The more I think back about the experience that I had whilst reading this book, the more I appreciate it. Inspiring is a simple word but when used in the correct context it can be the only word. Mark Donaldson is truly an inspiration, as someone who is humble and determined to do well for the World. I now have this sense of feeling of what it is like to be in Army, and how it truly seems from the inside. I enjoyed this book immensely and I highly recommend it to anyone.
September 20, 2015
This was much more than a war book! It was a biography of a young man, a very different coming of age story, the history of a military campaign told through the gun site of a private soldier and an inside, intimate view of elite fighting force. It was narrated by the best Australian accented voice I have heard. A magnificent performance. It was wonderfully written indeed. I would love to know what kind of support Mark had in writing his story. It comes across so honest and straightforward, but such a simple writing style is not easy to produce. Mark Donaldson does not need the suffix VC to prove that he is the real deal, a complete and interesting man, whose life by the age of 34 was worthwhile, not just as a book but as an example to there.
It could have been so easily different. His first 23 years seemed such a waste. He idolised his emotionally distant Vietnam vet father, and then lost him in early teens to a heart attack. His reaction was to immerse himself in a grungy world of alcoholic self abuse and behaviour equally destructive of the feelings and properties of others. In short he seemed to become a self absorbed grub. This becomes even more pronounced when his mother is murdered, leaving him a parent less teenager. His behaviour patter seems to have become set on the obsessive position on the dial.
The best thing about the structure of the book is that the preamble has given us just a glimpse of the action which was to win him Australia's highest award for Valour, before we flash back to the child who was to become the man/warrior.
The fine book contains lots of detail on how the SAs select and train the members of "The Regiment" and bullet by bullet information of many of the engagements in which these men fought in the Afghanistan campaigns between 2006 and 2014. I highly recommend this book.
It could have been so easily different. His first 23 years seemed such a waste. He idolised his emotionally distant Vietnam vet father, and then lost him in early teens to a heart attack. His reaction was to immerse himself in a grungy world of alcoholic self abuse and behaviour equally destructive of the feelings and properties of others. In short he seemed to become a self absorbed grub. This becomes even more pronounced when his mother is murdered, leaving him a parent less teenager. His behaviour patter seems to have become set on the obsessive position on the dial.
The best thing about the structure of the book is that the preamble has given us just a glimpse of the action which was to win him Australia's highest award for Valour, before we flash back to the child who was to become the man/warrior.
The fine book contains lots of detail on how the SAs select and train the members of "The Regiment" and bullet by bullet information of many of the engagements in which these men fought in the Afghanistan campaigns between 2006 and 2014. I highly recommend this book.
June 1, 2015
This is a book of the highest quality. One of the best boots-on-the-ground account of war you'll find in modern military history, in addition to being a fascinating personal memoir and an in depth account of SAS recruitment and training. It's also a valuable examination of Australia's involvement in the Afghanistan War from a soldier's perspective.
Mark Donaldson was a tearaway teenager who grew up in Dorrigo, NSW. He suffered incredible personal tragedy as a young person and the sum of all his childhood experience would ultimately lead him to a career in the Australian Army. Although shy to admit it, Mark was determined from the outset to join the SAS Regiment. He was inevitably tapped on the shoulder and survived the incredibly harsh training program to become a member of Australia's elite special forces. While on patrol with Afghan and US Forces, Mark's unit was ambushed. The circumstances of that ambush would require Mark to fulfil an act of singular bravery that ultimately led to him being Australia's first Victoria Cross recipient in 40 years.
At times tragic , at other times amusing and at all times informative. This important book is a must read for modern military enthusiasts and anyone interested in Australia's longest war.
FIVE STARS...
Mark Donaldson was a tearaway teenager who grew up in Dorrigo, NSW. He suffered incredible personal tragedy as a young person and the sum of all his childhood experience would ultimately lead him to a career in the Australian Army. Although shy to admit it, Mark was determined from the outset to join the SAS Regiment. He was inevitably tapped on the shoulder and survived the incredibly harsh training program to become a member of Australia's elite special forces. While on patrol with Afghan and US Forces, Mark's unit was ambushed. The circumstances of that ambush would require Mark to fulfil an act of singular bravery that ultimately led to him being Australia's first Victoria Cross recipient in 40 years.
At times tragic , at other times amusing and at all times informative. This important book is a must read for modern military enthusiasts and anyone interested in Australia's longest war.
FIVE STARS...
February 24, 2016
I met Mark & his wife Emma at the Melbourne Cup in 2011, I felt it a priviledge to meet someone who has been awarded the Defence Forces highest honor. He's a very humble person, and I felt he was genuinely appreciative of my words of thanks to him. His story is interesting, albeit sometimes the fighting bits are a little boring to me because I'm more interested in the people behind war. It shows that people can do anything when they set their mind to it, and I'm grateful every day for what our Defence boys do. If you want a war adventure, read Game of Thrones. If you want a true story about the hell of war, start with something like this, there is not too much detail but it's real enough to slap you in the face. I'm glad I read it.
Want to read
November 7, 2013This man's journey sounds amazing. Listened to a radio interview today. Sounds like a 'to read' for everyone.
September 17, 2015
When he got his VC, that was a good story. But the rest of his story probably wasn't worthy of a book
May 1, 2019
Loved it.
It was intriguing, informative and really had my attention.
Must read
It was intriguing, informative and really had my attention.
Must read
August 29, 2021
Easy 5 star. Must read for a young fella
October 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It made me appreciate and admire even more what sacrifices not only do our servicemen and women give but also reminded me of what their families give up to support them. Sad and emotional in parts but then evolving into an incredible story of how Mark Donaldson overcame his turbulent teenage years once he set his mind on achieving what he wanted to do. It was also a rare personal insight into the war in Afghanistan. I am so pleased that Mark shared this amazing story with us. It was inspirational whilst also being entertaining and informative about the crossroads in life. A fabulous read!
January 20, 2014
I usually read YA so this is quite a departure from my standard fare. The first thing that struck my interest was MD's dignified posed on the cover and the second was my embarrassment to think I didn't remember an Australian winning the VC. This book is a great read MD has had a very interesting life from the tragic death of this parents, to being a terrible shit of a kid (I was shocked at how bad he was). To turning that all around. No matter what you think of going to war this is easy to read and leaves you with a lot to think about.
July 31, 2015
WOW!
First up a huge congratulations to David Tredinnick for the awesome reading of this book. Job extremely well done.
At the end of this book Mark Donaldson was explaining to his daughter why he had to go away again and he basically sums it up with saying "we stop bad people doing bad stuff so they don't come into our country to do bad stuff". She replied with "thank you Daddy". I echo that, thank you Mark Donaldson and everyone else in the armed services for keeping us and others safe.
It was an enormous privilege to read this book, thank you for writing it.
First up a huge congratulations to David Tredinnick for the awesome reading of this book. Job extremely well done.
At the end of this book Mark Donaldson was explaining to his daughter why he had to go away again and he basically sums it up with saying "we stop bad people doing bad stuff so they don't come into our country to do bad stuff". She replied with "thank you Daddy". I echo that, thank you Mark Donaldson and everyone else in the armed services for keeping us and others safe.
It was an enormous privilege to read this book, thank you for writing it.
January 3, 2015
Thank you to Mark Donaldson for trying to make us 'civilians' understand - if only a little - what an elite SAS soldier endures both mentally and physically in order to make us feel safe from war and terrorism. The book provides an insight into the Regiment selection process which I'm in awe of. Mark's honest account of a troubled young adulthood and the tragic loss of his mother is heartbreaking. Great book.
June 25, 2015
Enjoyable is not the right word ...but an eye opening, enlightening, inspiring read perhaps? Thank you Mark for an honest....and humble account of the good and bad, happy and sad and even horrendous times you have experienced.
November 27, 2013
Inspirational book. Such admiration for the man.
March 13, 2014
Really good book, very detailed. Mark Donaldson really courageous and amazing!
June 8, 2023
Often, it's the narration that makes or breaks an Audible book for me but no worries in this case: the narration of The Crossroads is spot-on and really comes across like a young Aussie bloke who's find himself in an out of this world situation not of his own making.
Through no plan or design, I ended up listening to this the same week that the decision in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case came out. The Crossroads was an interesting backdrop to that story as it unravelled. None of those incidents of abuse are mentioned in this book and it was published before they really came to light. But this does offer some interesting insights into how the SASR operate and think.
The first part of the book covers Donaldson's family and upbringing, the early loss of both parents and how Donaldson links that adversity to the tenacity and determination that drew him to the Aussie SAS.
The second half covers joining Australian Army as an infantry soldier, joining and deploying with the SAS and then the life-changing impact of being awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross since Vietnam. It's written in free-wheeling style that depict Donaldson as a hard-out, fun-loving young larrikin that I really enjoyed. I laughed out loud when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd came off second-best with SASR trooper humour and got a little misty during one of the last contacts of Donaldson's last deployment to Afghanistan.
The Crossing was an Audible one day special and I'm glad I saw it and grabbed a copy - I don't always check the daily emails and might otherwise have missed this "read". Donaldson reminds me of many of soldiers and troopers I have known and this was an enjoyable and enlightening read.
Through no plan or design, I ended up listening to this the same week that the decision in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case came out. The Crossroads was an interesting backdrop to that story as it unravelled. None of those incidents of abuse are mentioned in this book and it was published before they really came to light. But this does offer some interesting insights into how the SASR operate and think.
The first part of the book covers Donaldson's family and upbringing, the early loss of both parents and how Donaldson links that adversity to the tenacity and determination that drew him to the Aussie SAS.
The second half covers joining Australian Army as an infantry soldier, joining and deploying with the SAS and then the life-changing impact of being awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross since Vietnam. It's written in free-wheeling style that depict Donaldson as a hard-out, fun-loving young larrikin that I really enjoyed. I laughed out loud when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd came off second-best with SASR trooper humour and got a little misty during one of the last contacts of Donaldson's last deployment to Afghanistan.
The Crossing was an Audible one day special and I'm glad I saw it and grabbed a copy - I don't always check the daily emails and might otherwise have missed this "read". Donaldson reminds me of many of soldiers and troopers I have known and this was an enjoyable and enlightening read.
July 29, 2021
When I mentioned to a friend that I was reading "Can't hurt me" and didn't enjoy it very much, they recommended me to read this as a better army related book. So I put it on my to-read list thinking I'd get around to it eventually. However repeated prompts of "have you read it yet" made me bump this to the top of my reading list.
Let me preface the following by saying that anything military and war related isn't my favourite genre. I therefore don't have a lot of exposure to the terms frequently used or the hierarchy and structure. While this book is well written, I kept finding myself getting lost between abbreviations/acronyms. Even though they were explained when they first appeared, they didn't stick so I was continuously googling which isn't a pleasant reading experience. That aside, it was interesting to read about his personal history and how he turned his life around, the detailes surrounding the red cross and once he became a dog handler I suddenly was a lot more interested in his experience out in combat (or whatever the correct term is). Am I dog lover or what lol
Let me preface the following by saying that anything military and war related isn't my favourite genre. I therefore don't have a lot of exposure to the terms frequently used or the hierarchy and structure. While this book is well written, I kept finding myself getting lost between abbreviations/acronyms. Even though they were explained when they first appeared, they didn't stick so I was continuously googling which isn't a pleasant reading experience. That aside, it was interesting to read about his personal history and how he turned his life around, the detailes surrounding the red cross and once he became a dog handler I suddenly was a lot more interested in his experience out in combat (or whatever the correct term is). Am I dog lover or what lol
November 25, 2018
I first met Mark Donaldson VC a few years ago when he came to the place I work to share the incredible story of the ambush in Afghanistan where he earned his Victoria Cross. This book is a bit like how Mark came across. Straightforward, honest and un sentimental. He is a distinctly Australian hero and this book is the upfront, sometimes in your face, unvarnished account of an ordinary man whose pain, personal demons and determination made him the extraordinary soldier and remarkable man that he is.
This is not so much a book to be inspired by but one to take assurance in. We are fortunate indeed that men like Mark choose the life they do and walk among us so we can sleep soundly at night.
I was looking for a book to grip me. This did.
This is not so much a book to be inspired by but one to take assurance in. We are fortunate indeed that men like Mark choose the life they do and walk among us so we can sleep soundly at night.
I was looking for a book to grip me. This did.
November 30, 2017
AT SOME POINTS IN YOUR LIFE ITS OBVIOUS YOU HAVE REACHED A JUNCTION, OR CROSSROAD. THE DECISION ON WHICH WAY YOU GO HAS A BIG IMPACT ON WHERE YOUR LIFE GOES.
Mark's Dad died of a heart attack and his Mum was murdered when he was a teenager. He joined the army 5 years after his Mum's death.
He joined the army as he was after an adventure and wanted to help people.
Mum was patient and not aggressive with my rebellious nature as a teenager. If she had of been any other way then I believe it would have pushed me further away.
If you hold down one part of your nature the traumas going to pop up somewhere else.
I love adversity as it gives me the chance to prove myself to myself.
Mark's Dad died of a heart attack and his Mum was murdered when he was a teenager. He joined the army 5 years after his Mum's death.
He joined the army as he was after an adventure and wanted to help people.
Mum was patient and not aggressive with my rebellious nature as a teenager. If she had of been any other way then I believe it would have pushed me further away.
If you hold down one part of your nature the traumas going to pop up somewhere else.
I love adversity as it gives me the chance to prove myself to myself.
September 5, 2019
"The Crossroads" by Mark Donaldson is his autobiography. He's a young Aussie guy who has trouble with authority as a teenager / young adult. He loves adrenaline activities, snowboarding, surfing anything dangerous. He joins the army believing its his pathway. He wants to get into the SAS where dangerous things happen. Against the odds he makes it in. He becomes highly regarded member of this elite group, and goes on to be the first Australian Victoria Cross winner since the Vietnam war.
The book does not dress up his younger life; Mark comes against as a real person. His story is compelling and I couldn't put it down.
Five stars - best autobiology I've read.
The book does not dress up his younger life; Mark comes against as a real person. His story is compelling and I couldn't put it down.
Five stars - best autobiology I've read.
September 8, 2020
An inspirational and humble man. From his parents and childhood to his adolesence and early adulthood through to being a husband and father was quite a journey. I would have preferred he left the details of the fighting out (although the training was eye opening and intense)
Where I think the strength of his story is his personal journey. He didn't shy away from when he made mistakes.
I have given this book to my 14yo son to read (he is considering joining the army after school). Once he has read it, I will update this review (may take a while!).
Where I think the strength of his story is his personal journey. He didn't shy away from when he made mistakes.
I have given this book to my 14yo son to read (he is considering joining the army after school). Once he has read it, I will update this review (may take a while!).
September 19, 2017
I'm glad that I have had the book read to me as an audiobook. I don't think that I could have read all of that language, or coped with the violence.
I'm also thankful that he turned out the way that he did. After the rebellion that he went through, I wonder if anyone held any hope for him. I'm puzzled that he doesn't seem to regret the former life, and that surprised me.
I'm glad that I've "read" this, but I can't see myself doing so again.
I'm also thankful that he turned out the way that he did. After the rebellion that he went through, I wonder if anyone held any hope for him. I'm puzzled that he doesn't seem to regret the former life, and that surprised me.
I'm glad that I've "read" this, but I can't see myself doing so again.
October 20, 2020
Reading The Crossroad is an immersive adventure into the life of your average Australian larrikin that has lived a life that is anything but ordinary. From the outset, I found myself unable to put the book down. I shed tears in parts, laughed in others at situations that were often unbelievable and felt inspired come the turning of the last page. Mark Donaldson must now be considered an Australian icon, and anyone can benefit from just a glimpse at the pages hidden between the covers.
May 6, 2021
This book was eye opening, intriguing & really informative. A highly recommended read if you have an interest in service men & women going to & experiencing war.
It made me appreciate & admire what sacrifices our servicemen & women make & also what their families give up to support them. An emotional (sad & humorous) autobiography by Mark Donaldson who grew from being a troublesome teenager into an inspiring & courageous man who achieved so much during his service in the Afghanistan War.
It made me appreciate & admire what sacrifices our servicemen & women make & also what their families give up to support them. An emotional (sad & humorous) autobiography by Mark Donaldson who grew from being a troublesome teenager into an inspiring & courageous man who achieved so much during his service in the Afghanistan War.
December 31, 2017
A very interesting read... and without doubt an extraordinarily brave man - along with his military colleagues. His background and teenage/young adult years and the transition to the military was extremely interesting. For me, the description of some of the battles became a bit repetitive toward the end.
May 6, 2020
What a great read. Mark Donaldson has a tough upbringing from his own makings as well as family tragedy, but eventually grew up and had a distinguishing career in the Australian Army as an elite SAS operator. What a time he had during his tours in Afghanistan. Well written, easy to read and had me not wanting to put it down.
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