First Blood

Unlike most people I have never seen the film Rambo, so although I knew the basics of the plot I starting reading the novel with no real knowledge of what to expect.My favourite type of books are those where someone is being pursued through the wilderness, where they have to pit wits against nature andthe men following them.Rambo is all of this and more. He is an ex veteran in his 20's and drifting from town to town, with long hair and an unkempt appearance he is soon spotted by the local police and escorted out of town. Not willing to be treated unfairly he soon makes his way and ends up imprisoned. Confined to the cell he starts experiencing flashbacks to the Vietnam war and as soon as an opportunity arises he breaks out. With nowhere to go he heads into the mountains. Using his survival skills he proves a hard man to pin down frustrates all the efforts of the local police, this causes them to call in Rambo's ex-commanding officer,Sam Trautman. This all leads to cat and mouse chase that can only result in a grand finale.A really fast paced adventure thriller that deals with PTSD probably before it became really as well known. This was my third book by Morrell and I'm sure it won't be the last.

This book is excellent. I looked this out because Tarantino has suggested that he would like to remake the film and follow the book more closely. Well this is a lot darker than the 80's film. Rambo or the kid as he is referred to is a tortured soul alright. The body count is a lot higher. I was actually surprised when I think back. Stallone as Rambo hardly killed anyone in the film. This was on purpose because Sylvester wanted his hero to be likeable. That lad who fell from the helicopter. Yeah that's it. Rambo of this story; well you wouldn't want to get in his road. Excellent story, well told. Any wonder that they made a film about it.

“First Blood” is a novel by American author David Morrell, and was adapted into the film (of the same title) starring Sylvester Stallone. Morrell worked on the book during the late 1960’s, and it was first published in 1972 – becoming a best seller. Given the success of this novel, and of the film franchise that grew from it, the author wrote two sequels (published in 1985 and 1988 respectively). The novel introduced the fictional character of ‘Rambo’ – who has subsequently become a popularly known protagonist and cultural icon (and, as a word, ‘Rambo’ is now used to describe someone who is tough, violent, and single-handedly engages in dangerous situations).“First Blood” is a well-written, action-packed story – that offers a depiction of American society in the 1970’s, and attitudes towards the Vietnam War (and the veterans returning home from the war). The story is presented by way of a dual narrative – on the one hand, focussing on Rambo, a Vietnam veteran; and, on the other, looking at the second main character: the chief of police of a small town, Teasle. The movement between the two allows the reader to appreciate the complexities of the story, understanding different points of view.The story starts with Rambo, an ex-soldier in the 20’s, who is hitchhiking near a small town in rural USA. He is picked-up by Chief Teasle, who escorts him out of the town (not wanting vagrants in the area). But Rambo, who believes he has the right to go where he chooses, decides to return to the town. Teasle then arrests Rambo, and he is placed in jail. Being enclosed in a cell results in Rambo experiencing a flashback to when he was a POW in Vietnam – and, in a state of panic, he escapes from jail. He flees, and hides in the nearby mountains. Now the police start a manhunt, and as they seek to capture Rambo so he utilises his expert skills – having been in an elite special forces team in the armed forces – to evade, while also systematically killing the police officers who are searching for him. As the manhunt progresses, the National Guard are called in … but Rambo is able to hide, surviving in the wilderness. Ultimately, Rambo’s former commanding officer – Captain Sam Trautman – comes to the town, to hunt down Rambo. And there’s a climactic ending involving Rambo, Teasle and Trautman.The book touches on the psychological trauma inflicted upon Rambo, as an ex-soldier seeking to return to civilian life. It also deals with the issue of civil rights – and standing up to authority – as Rambo is targeted by the police because of his looks (especially his long hair). Added to this is a story of ‘bringing the war home’ – of conflict on American streets. What happens initially is not Rambo’s fault; but the injustice he suffers does not warrant the violence he then bestows upon this town and its police officers. Yet, given the combination of his training and mental health, Rambo is not entirely responsible for his actions. The outcome is a complex drama, without easy or straightforward solutions.This novel is, in several important ways, different from the film adaptation. If you’ve only seen the film, then I recommend reading the book. It’s certainly a very good book – and established Morrell as a writer (although, personally, I tend to prefer his later novels – such as “Fraternity of the Stone” (1985) and “Fifth Profession” (1990)). This new edition provides readers with an insightful introduction, by Morrell, in which the author explains the genesis of both the story and the central character.

The book actually arrived a full month after I ordered it, and quite battered. So why the five star rating? Because the seller offers fantastic customer service: as soon as I told them it was delayed, they quickly replied with an apologoy and brought Royal Mail's strike to my attention. A while after that, I wrote to them again as I had still not received it. They told me they had no way of tracking it, and without my even asking refunded the order and told me I should keep the book whenever it showed up, and please let them know if/when it did.The bottom line is that they did nothing wrong; it was late and, I'm pretty sure, battered because of Royal Mail (a large dent/rip on the padded envelope coincides with the large dent on the book cover, so it happend after it was packaged and probably sent). In contrast, Queensway books were prompt and very customer service oriented. Despite the problems with this particular order I will definitely be looking at them first when I want to get another book. A company which still values customers so much is a rare gem.As for the book itself: you think you know Rambo because you've seen the films? So did I, but forget it. This a whole different story, with frankly very different characteras. Particularly different is Teasle, here not so much a stereotypical small-minded sheriff but rather a distinguished Korean War veteran himself just trying to keep the peace. Rambo himself, by contrast, is far more willing to kill for no good reason, his largely untreated post-traumatic stress having messed up his mind beyond the rational or stable. You get to decide who is wrong or right (if anyone actually is) based on your own judgement, rather than having it spoon-fed to you by hollywood. A great read that somehow manages to include plenty of charactarisation while never letting up the breakneck pace. First Blood (20-20 Special Edition)First Blood (20-20 Special Edition)

This was bought as a gift for my son who enjoyed reading it just as much as I did when I got my copy many years ago , shame Hollywood hijacked the character and made John Rambo something quite different from his book self.