Out In The Army by James Wharton
Seeking escape from the quiet countryside of North Wales, the young James Wharton joined the British Army with adventure on his mind - and he found it. At basic training, boozing and brawling accompany the daily trials of army life but all the while James faces a battle of his own: he is gay and finding the courage to tell not only his family and friends but his fellow soldiers will be the biggest challenge of all. Written with searing honesty, James charts his incredible journey from punch bag to poster boy, along the way describing the troubles and trials of coming to terms with his sexuality. Late nights in the clubs of Soho to early mornings guarding the Queen; rocket attacks in the deserts of Iraq to tank rides with Prince Harry on the plains of Canada - this is James's life out in the army.
James Wharton's memoir of his life in the British Army is a stunning readHe trains to become one of those dazzling, shining cavalry troopers in the Blues and Royals, escorting and guarding the monarch, patiently sitting on their mounts as tourists photograph and giggle. But the Blues and Royals are no mere chocolate soldiers; they are deployed to Iraq like any other member of the military. It is while serving that Wharton finds the extra courage to come out and declare that he is gay. The consequences, both good and appalling, are written about without sentiment or self-pity. A wonderful, stirring and thrilling read. I laughed, wept and winced and closed the book filled with admiration at such courage and grace. Stephen Fry An extraordinary story which is a mark of our changing times, Out in the Army is an inspiring read from start to finish. Matthew Todd, ATTITUDE This acutely observed account of rocket attacks, scorpion bites and blistering heat - populated by mates such as Shagger, Smudge and Scoffy - could have been written a hundred years ago. It's the coming-out story, a gay wedding and a boyfriend who runs off with a vegan that make it a highly readable and distinctly twenty-first-century boy's own tale. Ben Summerskill OBE Out in the Army is the most moving book I have recently read. James Wharton is such a direct and honest writer that he brings you to the verge of tears not only when you expect him to but when you don't. His love of Queen and country, his husband and his family all come off the printed page and into your heart. Paul Gambaccini Out in the Army is a truly unique look at a soldier's journey from boy to man, from Wales to war. I couldn't put it down. Anthony Cotton A deeply moving and personal insight into life in the army. A story of bravery, love and victory. James we salute you. Alice Arnold A fascinating and charming insight into a remarkable life that wouldn't have been possible just a few years ago. Matthew Cain, Culture Editor, Channel 4 News '[A] heartfelt account of a gay man's journey from recruit to veteran, as well as a non-judgemental appraisal of an institution's efforts to move with the times. On both counts it is a worthwhile read.' Soldier Magazine
James Wharton was one of the first 'out' soldiers in the armed forces. James was the first openly gay person to appear on the front cover of Soldier magazine, the British Army's official publication.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781849545402 |
| ISBN 10 | 1849545405 |
| Title | Out In The Army |
| Author | James Wharton |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Biteback Publishing |
| Year published | 2013-06-12 |
| Number of pages | 352 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |