The Siege

by Helen Dunmore, Ben Macintyre
The Siege cover
Good Books rating 4.44
History
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Paperback • £9.49–£9.99 Hardback • £25.00
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  • ID: 666
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9798217014279
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-09-10
  • Formats: 48
  • Reviews: 4

In April 1980, six armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in London, taking 26 hostages. This event captivated the world as it unfolded over six tense days, with the situation threatening to escalate into a bloodbath. Trevor Lock, a policeman, found himself among the hostages, concealing a gun and discovering unexpected reserves of courage. The terrorists, a group of educated Arabs, aimed to influence British support in their conflict against Ayatollah Khomeini, with Saddam Hussein backing their cause. Meanwhile, outside, police negotiators, MI6, and the CIA worked to resolve the crisis, while the SAS prepared for a daring rescue. The siege reached its climax on the sixth day when the terrorists executed a hostage, prompting the SAS to launch a high-stakes raid. This event, meticulously reconstructed by Ben Macintyre using exclusive interviews and unseen files, highlights the heroism of ordinary people under extraordinary pressure. It also draws a historical line to the events of 9/11, underscoring its significance in modern history.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2024-09-15
enthralling 4.50

The book is praised for its gripping narrative and meticulous research, offering a fresh perspective on the 1980 hostage crisis. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to balance historical detail with engaging storytelling.

The Guardian's review commends Ben Macintyre for his thorough research and compelling narrative style in 'The Siege'. The reviewer notes that Macintyre successfully transforms well-known historical events into a thrilling and insightful account. The book is lauded for its ability to captivate readers while providing a deep understanding of the hostage crisis. The reviewer also appreciates the inclusion of photographs and maps, which enhance the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The bestselling author of A Spy Among Friends unravels the complexity of an event that saw the SAS gatecrash live TV and made Mrs Thatcher a national heroine.

    Macintyre's meticulous research and first-hand insights make this a gripping narrative.

    The book is thoroughly entertaining and well-written.

The Telegraph · 2024-09-12
definitive 4.50

The book is described as a definitive account that turns familiar material into a fresh and gripping read. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to present well-worn material in a new light.

The Telegraph's review praises 'The Siege' as a definitive account of the 1980 hostage crisis, highlighting Ben Macintyre's ability to present familiar material in a fresh and engaging way. The reviewer notes that Macintyre's narrative style makes the book a compelling read, even for those who are already familiar with the events. The book is commended for its thorough research and the inclusion of photographs and maps, which add depth to the storytelling. The reviewer also appreciates the author's ability to balance historical detail with a gripping narrative.

Quick quotes

    Ben Macintyre's 'definitive' new account of the 1980 hostage crisis, The Siege, turns well-worn material into a fresh and gripping read.

    The book is thoroughly entertaining and well-written, with meticulous research and first-hand insights.

    Macintyre's narrative style makes the book a compelling read.

History Nerds United · 2024-09-09
balanced 4.00

The book is noted for its balanced approach, managing to lighten the mood without diminishing the gravity of the events. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to handle such a serious topic with nuance.

History Nerds United highlights Ben Macintyre's skill in handling the serious subject matter of 'The Siege' with a light touch where appropriate. The reviewer notes that while the book isn't laugh-out-loud funny, Macintyre effectively lightens the mood without cheapening the drama. This balanced approach is praised for making the book accessible and engaging without losing sight of the gravity of the hostage crisis. The reviewer also commends the author's ability to provide a comprehensive and nuanced account of the events.

Quick quotes

    The Siege isn't laugh-out-loud funny, but Macintyre lightens the mood whenever possible without cheapening the drama around the story.

    It would be easy to make a book about such a serious subject matter feel heavy-handed, but Macintyre manages to strike a balance.

    The book provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the hostage crisis.

Nichole Louise's Blog · Nichole Louise · 2024-01-29
impactful 4.75

The prose is both delicate and gritty, capturing the beauty and ugliness of life. The reviewer excels at portraying the brutality and fragility of human existence.

Nichole Louise finds Helen Dunmore's prose in 'The Siege' to be both delicate and gritty, effectively capturing the fleeting beauty and ugliness of life. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to portray the brutality and fragility of human existence during the siege. They highlight the vivid descriptions and the emotional depth of the narrative, which makes the story both poignant and impactful. The reviewer also notes the author's skill in balancing the harsh realities of war with moments of tenderness and hope.

Quick quotes

    Her prose both delicate and gritty in encapsulating the fleeting beauty and ugliness of life.

    She also excels at capturing the brutality and fragility of human existence.

    The vivid descriptions and the emotional depth of the narrative.

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