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!


Going Solo   January 13, 2008
Mehajabeen Farid (Coventry)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

"Going Solo" is a the book which picks up where "Boy" left off with Roald on his way to East Africa to take up a job with the Shell Oil Company in Dar es Salaam. Roald Dahl is in Africa when World War II breaks out and he leaves Shell to join up with the RAF. This book details Dahl's wartime exploits, which include having a luger (a pistol) pointed at his head by the leader of a German convoy, crash-landing in no-man's land (and sustaining injuries that entailed having his nose pulled out and shaped!) and even surviving a direct hit during the Battle of Athens, when he was sufficiently recovered to fly again - this time in Hurricanes. The book features black-and-white photos, as well as maps, telegrams and other memorabilia. It is a fabulous book which is also one of my favourites. I would rate it 100000000000000/ 10. Anyone would love this stunning success.


you wanna know about roald dahls life? buy this book.   June 22, 2002
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a brilliant book. not as good as boy. but still, roald dahl has made an exellent job of writing it. it is all about roald dahls life, when he is in his 20s world war two starts, and he joins the R.A.F, learn about his ftal crash. and many other things.
this book is a BRILLIANT read.


A realy great book.   November 18, 2001
harrylaflin@aol.com (England)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book captures all emotions in its thrilling insight into his life. in his time with the R.A.F loads of exciting things happen. For instance when he crashed his plane


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.