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the improbable memoir of a wartime o’dyssey

Saving Uncle Paddy

by Paul Ashford

In 1942 an unexpected hero and future Uncle set out to rescue the very posh Governor of Burma with an Austin 7, an Irish passport, and Marco Polo’s map. Aided only by a feisty French Resistance fighter, a young professor whom Hitler once babysat, and India’s first woman lawyer, he accomplished the dangerous journey against incalculable odds. Crossing steppes, mountains and jungles as they outwitted hoodlums and hostiles of every kind, the companions reached their goal in a confrontation that might turn the tide of History.

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  • The internal politics of Burma were vexatious. Although he outwardly dismissed the possibility that the rebel Aung San had infiltrated his hunting party and pretended to talk to tigers, he knew he must watch his back.

    Excerpt from Saving Uncle Paddy

  • In those days as in the present era, possession of an Irish passport enabled someone to circulate freely in countries where British subjects would meet suspicion and obstruction.

    Excerpt from Saving Uncle Paddy

  • One person said that if you could live with my Aunt Win, German occupied France would be a doddle. This is not the kind of remark you would expect from the subject’s own sister.

    Excerpt from Saving Uncle Paddy

  • My Uncle Paddy consulted his Marco Polo Book. The road to Burma looked longer now he saw how little of it they had covered in seven days.

    Excerpt from Saving Uncle Paddy

  • My Uncle Paddy said if we understood what rattles round the brain of a great man we would all be great men our own selves. Portia Hussain and Chantale LaFarge said some of us would be great women.

    Excerpt from Saving Uncle Paddy
★★★★★

“An Awesomely Amusing Avuncular Adventure”

How many books have you read in your life that have made you laugh out loud? This will be one of them. Every so often a small masterpiece of humour and wisdom emerges and provides you with moments and images that you want to share with your family and friends. Uncle Paddy’s picaresque adventure across war-torn Europe, recounted by his sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued nephew, should be sitting on the shelf alongside Diary of a Nobody, Augustus Carp and Cold Comfort Farm.

M. Morris
Review for Saving Uncle Paddy
★★★★★

“Unforgettable”

Uncle Paddy is utterly wonderful: generous, flawed, funny and humane. His presence carries the book, making every scene engaging, moving and quietly unforgettable throughout entirely.

W. G.
Review for Saving Uncle Paddy
★★★★★

“Beautifully written”

A beautifully written, thoughtful and often funny book, rich with history, humanity and tenderness. Every chapter feels alive, curious and deeply engaging from beginning to end. Loved it!

S. P.
Review for Saving Uncle Paddy