The Luck Of The Draw

THE LUCK OF THE DRAW

by Frank Murphy

This book originally came to my attention following it's publication due to the many glowing reviews it received, including from Hollywood actor Tom Hanks. 

Frank Murphy volunteered to join the US Army as an air cadet in 1942 & went on to train as a Navigator as part of a B-17 'Flying Fortress' crew in the 100th Bomber Group.

In the summer of 1943 his crew arrived in England & were soon involved in bombing missions over occupied Europe, flying from their base in Norfolk. 

In October 1943 their aircraft was shot down by a German fighter. Frank & seven of his fellow crew members baled out, tragically two others were killed.

 Captured immediately on landing he would soon be sent to the infamous POW camp Stalag Luft III in Poland & would be a prisoner there in March 1944 when 'The Great Escape' took place.

With the Russians approaching the camp in the harsh winter of 1945, the prisoners were forced to march through terrible conditions with little in the way of food & shelter.

Eventually Frank & his fellow POW's were liberated & would finally make it back home to the US in June 1945.

You might think the above review has covered the story of the book. Well at almost 500 pages, Frank's comprehensive narrative has far more to share.

He writes about the broader aspects of training & flying. The war in the air, as well as life as a POW.

We learn about those he flew with & many others who were lost, along with some of his fellow prisoners. 

Unusually for a memoir, the book is also packed with fascinating figures & tables & a very impressive Appendix that lists  each aircraft & crew of the 100th Bomber Group.

The story of Lt Frank Murphy featured in the recent drama series 'Masters Of The Air', which included Tom Hanks & Steven Spielberg as Executive Producers.

Already a New York bestseller.

It will surely become another classic amongst the world of WWII memoirs. One that both readers & historians will continue to mention & recommend. 

A joy to read & at times quite moving. It is one of those remarkable, hard to put down books, that stays with you long after you have finished reading it.

The paperback edition is published in the UK on September 5th, by Elliott & Thompson.

I thank them for this review copy.