Bryan Ray

When we are taught to read, we are taught to read in a linear fashion. The story is usually set up for us in the first chapter, sometimes the first paragraph. We know that A will follow B will follow C will follow D and so on, until the story comes to a conclusion. Read `Impatiens.' When you read it, throw your linear reading map away. Read with a completely open heart and mind; read unconditionally, toss the usual expectations aside. Bryan Ray's work is much like going to a beautiful, dangerous, compassionate, loving, compelling, wild, sweet (I could go on with a mixture of descriptive adjectives, but I think you know what I'm getting at) foreign country that has just been discovered--and you will be part of that discovery. Some of the characters and situations that Ray creates may seem familiar at first, but these familiarities are part of a surreal invention that compels and seduces the reader: you will want more. Ray writes with a rhythm and beat that can accelerate one minute, but then gently slows, only to accelerate again--and all of it is written in a poetic prose that delights the imagination. Ray's work stands on its own, but if I had to compare him to other writers, I would immediately pick Raymond Roussel (New Impressions of Africa) and Giorgio de Chirico (Hebdomeros). Gentle readers, Mr. Ray's work is art.… (más)

Over the centuries the British Army has had an extraordinary number of junior officers seeking and enjoying secondment to 'native' forces. This book details two different secondments of one of these officers separated by over twenty years. First a brief period with the Somaliland Scouts during his National Service in 1948-50, then a period in command of a regiment of the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces during 1972-74. The first posting was to Imperial Forces at the end of Empire, the second the armed forces of a politicaly aligned, and economically important, middle eastern ally struggling against communist insurgents. Between these postings the author had served as a regular officer in the army, a period not covered by this book. It is evident that the author thoroughly enjoyed both these postings, which comes through his writing. His stories of working with Iranian Special Forces (this was before the Shah was deposed) in Oman are eye opening. Recommended.… (más)