FLAK

Inspired by his fascination with WWII aircraft, Australian comedian Michael Veitch tracked down RAAF pilots, collecting their accounts of an extraordinary time. The result is surprisingly personal--instead of tales of adventure, the emphasis is on how pilots coped with fear, malfunctioning equipment, the loss of friends, and the constant presence of death. Veitch, an Aussie celebrity, describes his experiences tracking down the stories but usually lets the pilots' accounts take over. He reads their recollections with a voice that's respectful and excited at the same time. While aimed at Australian audiences, the book's focus on pilots provides a historical view on the war that will interest many other listeners as well. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]