The Last Enemy
The Last Enemy by Richard Hillary, published by Daredevil on November 25, 2021, is a poignant first-hand account of a young man’s experiences as a Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain. Originally published in the UK in 1942, just months before Hillary’s death, this edition spans 268 pages and is presented in English. The narrative begins with his time at Trinity College, Oxford, and follows his journey from a carefree student to a dedicated RAF Volunteer Reserve member, capturing the complexities of his character and the challenges he faced.
Readers will find vivid descriptions of aerial combat, alongside a detailed account of Hillary’s recovery after being shot down over the English Channel. The book delves into his experiences with pioneering reconstructive surgery under Archibald McIndoe, highlighting both the physical and emotional trials he endured. As the narrative unfolds, Hillary reflects on his inner struggles and the epiphany that inspired him to share his story. The Last Enemy offers insights into military life, personal memoirs, and the historical context of World War II, making it a significant contribution to the literature of that era.
Official synopsis Publisher
Richard Hillary’s book The Last Enemy was first published in the UK in 1942 just seven months before his untimely death. It is an extraordinary first-hand account of the experiences a of a young man swept into the Battle of Britain as a Spitfire pilot.
The book is in two parts, beginning with his time at Trinity College, Oxford, where he was a successful oarsman and carefree student. Joining the RAF Volunteer Reserve he displayed an undisciplined approach towards flying training schools whilst making new acquaintances prompted some reappraisal of his attitude to life.
His descriptions of flying a Spitfire are gripping as we share both the horror and excitement of close combat in the air. Shot down over the English Channel on 3 September 1940 he is seriously burned and comes under the care of Archibald McIndoe and his pioneering reconstructive plastic surgery. He writes in graphic detail but with no self-pity of the operations and pain endured during his long stints in hospital at East Grinstead.
Towards the end of the book he eloquently portrays his inner struggles and relates an epiphany that inspired him to write this book.
The Last Enemy is undoubtedly one of the most important and compelling books to have been written during recent wars and will stay with you as you reflect on Hillary’s short but eventful life.
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