The Road to Kalamata

By: Mike Hoare

Narrated by: Mike Hoare

Col. Mike Hoare describes how his 4 Commando supported Moise Tshombe's breakaway state of Katanga against both the UN forces, and the Baluba tribesmen who used poison arrows, pit traps, marijuana, spells, jungle drums...and even reorted to ritual torture and cannibalism.

©1989 Mike Hoare (P)2012 Mike Hoare

Critic reviews

"Mike Hoare...is the twentieth century's most famous mercenary soldier and, beleve it or not, the most literate, witty, touching writer on this dark and strange subject...." (Bill Guthrie, PhD and former executive editor at Soldier of Fortune magazine)

Amazing

As all of Mike's books, it is amazing, very descriptive and full of introspection. Lots of adventure and storys of a gone by era writen by very tough and brave men. I heard about the column in th other book Congo Wariors and wanted to knkw more.

another great book by hoare

Similar to his other books, Hoare tells us all about his adventures in Africa.
Excellent story telling.
10/10 book.

Opinion

unfortunately Mike is dreary narrator
but with his knowledge and experience nobody can add the inside view.

Excellent Account

I've read all of Mike Hoare's books except the one about his boat and one he did on the Cathars. While I vehemently disagree with him on some of his politics and think him somewhat outdated, I have to admit that he's an excellent writer and narrator as well. In addition to providing this excellent account of events in the Congo just after independence, his use of language and humor is right up there among the best I've ever read. This account is also very insightful because he does not shy away from sef-criticism of some of his own actions. The entire thing reads like a movie and culminates with events that led him to be on the road to Kalamata. Excellent book if interested in military history or Congo/Zaire history.

Useful as a Historical Document

An unflinching and useful first-hand account of life in a mercenary company during the Katanga rebellion in the DR Congo. The details are both unexpected and interesting.

Unfortunately, the story being told, while believable and detailed, is only interesting as a historical document, not as an actual story.

Which is to say that this is useful as research, but not especially compelling.