The Cretan Runner: The Story of the German Occupation

Rating:
Summary: A Human Perspective
Review: This book thankfully steers away from a cold, isolated perspective of who directed such and such battle under General whoever. This is a wonderful illustration of a shepherd drawn into an international conflict, but quite extraordinarily despite a lack of education is able to illustrate most vivdly emotions, danger and the humiliation of being forced to live under occupation. It has sadness, uplifting feats of endurance, humour and a melancholy tone as one reads of what fate befell the heroic (but not flawless)author after the war.

The only criticism one could level one an is unintended but often seen condascending attitude by English 'Hellenophiles' (although Fermor tries hard to keep the traslation true to the original text) to Greek attitudes on matters such as views on authority, war and government which are contrary to their own.

Thankfully Patrick Fermor's obvious friendship and respect for the cheeky George Psychoundakis shines through in a book which deals with the dangerous and grubby yet inviting subject of spying in a time of conflict.

Rating:
Summary: Cretan Runner. May we never forget.
Review: You will never read a story quite like this again. A true story, 59 years old, so full of inspiration and courage it will never leave you.

A young shepherd boy whose homeland is invaded and ablaze, murder and desperation all around him, does all he can to help end the misery of his people... he runs.

And the island of Crete is like no other place to run. With huge mountains, massive gorges and with no more than centuries-old goat tracks on which to carry him, Giorgo Psychoundakis carries messages to hiding British, New Zealander, and Australian spies, often flirting with not just death - but worse: capture, torture and reprisals against family, friends, even whole villages.

He went on to play a major role in the abduction of the highest ranking Nazi officer on the island, Major General Karl Kreipe. The abductors were to safely transport the General to Cairo 21 days later.

And here, you will read his account of these events. You will read of men whose bravery and valour will live on in your heart forever.

From shepherd boy to national hero, from abject despair to complete victory.

Put simply - you will be stunned. This is truly a story like no other.

"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We will remember them".