From Orphan to High-Flyer

If you want to get a first hand account of not only an extraordinary man's story but also a true here then you NEED to read this book!A fascinating part of history shared in an excellent way were it's like you're sitting and having a conversation with Denis yourself, hearing him tell you in his own words the remarkable life he has lived. Not only do you get an insight in what it was like to be a pilot in RAF during WW2 and the heartbreaks and adventures that entailed, you get to hear it from Denis himself and his extraordinary life filled with stories that is so hard to comprehend and pulls at your heartstrings.I could not recommend this book anymore - it is impossible to put down ones you have it in your hands! Read it!

This book seriously baffled me from the beginning to the end. Denis’ story is just amazing, what he has gone through and what he has conquered, it almost seems made up so I had to constantly remind myself that THIS has actually happened and that Denis has actually experienced all of this, it is unimaginable! From a child with little confidence, through a rough childhood, joining the RAF at a young age, to becoming such a strong, confident man.What I love about the interview format is that while I was reading I could literally picture the stories he is telling in my head but at the same time I could also imagine the two authors sitting on a table having a conversation. The book is not only breath-taking but also educational. It makes you think about the present and how different things are now compared to then. What I find amazing is Denis’ memory, the details he can remember – to say I am impressed would be an understatement. Not to mention Denis’ and Philip’s friendship is so unique. I find it astonishing how they met and how their friendship has developed over the years, how this book came into place. The story really touched me and I think it is amazing what they have created – Denis to share his story and Philip to get these stories down and creating this book, remarkable work from both of them to say the least. It almost seems as if you actually know them in reality, that is how personal it comes across.This book, Denis’ story, deserves to be read all over the world. Everyone should read it, it is indeed the type of book you don't want to put down – I personally struggle to read books because my mind tends to drift off but I can say this has not happened once, that is how captivating it is. I could feel my heart racing and even had me in tears towards the end. You will be taken in by this story. I cannot recommend it enough!!! It is a must-read.

I did not like the question/answer format, very repetitive.An interesting life and all credit to Denis Elliott, but the book did not hold my interest and I scanned quite a bit towards the end rather than plough through another exploit much like the last.- not my cup of tea but probably good for anyone who likes true life individual war experiences.

This book was a very interesting and enlightening read. Particularly the description of the RAF bombing raids in ww2 in the region around Burma. It has a easy to read format which made me want to read on. Could really imagine the sort of adventures that went on and the excitement of flying despite obvious dangers. Would highly recommend others to give it a read!

I really enjoyed reading this book, my Grandfather was in the RAF during the war, I was too young to appreciate his stories, then it’s too late. So this reminded me a lot of him, plus I grew up and live in the very same area as the author. Very enjoyable read, thank you

An inspirational true story of an amazing man who defied the odds from a challenging background to serve his country in a career he loved.