52 pages • 1 hour read
Mark BowdenBlack Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden is a non-fiction account detailing the Battle of Mogadishu, where US forces aimed to capture lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The mission on October 3, 1993, led to intense urban combat when Somali militias ambushed the soldiers after two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, resulting in a fight for survival over the next 14 hours. The book provides vivid, brief chapters from various perspectives, detailing the political and military intricacies of the conflict. Violence and intense battle scenes are depicted.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down is widely praised for its intense, meticulous account of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. Readers commend its gripping narrative and rich details, making complex military operations accessible. However, some critics feel the extensive focus on firefights overshadows broader political context. Overall, it's hailed as a compelling, if narrowly focused, war chronicle.
Who Should Read Black Hawk Down?
Readers who enjoy Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden are typically captivated by detailed, true accounts of military conflict and heroism. Similar books include Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. These readers appreciate precise, gripping narratives that highlight the intensity and chaos of battle.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
970LBook Details
Society: War
Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal
History: World
History: U.S.
Military / War