“Martin, you have written a jewel of a book.

I have laughed myself silly while reading this very entertaining account of your life in the Royal Navy and your very English upbringing. Your book will appeal to everyone who has served in the military regardless of branch of service or nation.

It is a humorous account of the life of a young man in the RN that we all can relate to. As a former U.S. Army aviator. I can say this book relates well to the many humorous adventures and misadventures that all who have served will thoroughly enjoy.

You write in a charming and effortless style that is all the more endearing as you are writing about your life. A great read that you cannot put down.”

FABULOUS REPORT! I WAS HANGING ON EVERY WORD!!

As a USAF Pilot and Lt Colonel for 28 years, I find your accounts of life in England and in the Royal Navy truly fascinating as I often wondered what it was like. You've given me a terrific look at how things really were.

You have a great ability to make your reader feel as though he was there with you. Some of your stories were so hilarious I found myself laughing out loud and felt as though you and I were recounting events while you told me your story over an adult beverage.

Your telling of your Diving Officer training was incredibly fascinating! I found myself right by your side. I could never have done what you did since that would have been beyond my capabilities. Needless to say, I have great respect for your drive, discipline, and sheer willpower to overcome your fears and succeed. I could not stop reading until the story was told.

I was laughing my ass off reading your account about the blokes in the Canberra who thought 1) they were going to crash because the pilot was out cold or 2) the crew member with the fire extinguisher had gone nuts-oh and was going to kill the pilot! Simply hilarious!!

Such a great read'. You truly must have been one hell of a fine RN officer, Martin! In addition to being a superb story teller.

Bravo and well done!

Having known Martin for nearly 60 years, I can attest that this story most accurately reflects the man and his experiences, many of which concerning his early family life are unique, and which shaped him for the rest of his remarkable life. His story is honest, amusing, and well-told. There is no doubt that it will keep the reader enthralled. I was.

As an RAF Officer of a slightly earlier vintage than the author, I read this book with great interest, not the least because I also worked in the United States both during my service career and subsequently. I can therefore vouch for the veracity of the tale it tells.   It paints an engrossing and amusing picture of the life of young Royal Navy Officers in the period and of an Englishman subsequently making his very successful way in the very different world of the American defence industry and American society as a whole.

This is a most readable journey through Martin’s life with some really fascinating insights to the wider aspects of his experiences. I can readily identify with the happenings and the characters which illustrate the story. It is a window on a world which has probably largely disappeared and therefore represents a most useful historical view of the later 20th C. It is amusing, informative, and an absolute page-turner. 

“A British Sailor’s Odyssey” is an atypical story, which gives the reader a far from conventional picture of life's different stages on Europe and the USA, over seven decades. 

Martin Fisher narrates without “beating around the bush” and does so with a witty sincerity and genuineness, all coated with an immense amount of humour.  He tells of his lived experience in the two continent’s cultures 
I laughed till I cried.    

The exciting and very funny and fast-paced story that takes us through the life of a bright young Royal Navy engineer officer at the end of the British Empire in the 1960s to becoming a leading light in the US aerospace industry. Hilarious and touching personal story with great insights into how with good preparation, exciting career opportunities can open up.

I am enjoying reading the other chapters of your book.
You have taken John Winton’s description of BRNC Dartmouth to another level and I found the comparison with Annapolis fascinating. I worked with the USN in the Far East, including a bombardment off Korea in Japan.

I received and read all chapters. First loved the anecdotal excerpts of your novel while having my morning Cup of Joe. It is an amusing and interesting read.

I truly enjoyed the three chapters in the forward; very clever writing. Also, I found myself very quickly immersed in your exploits onboard HMS Tiger. Moreover, the wit associated with the lovely Giselle was wonderful. I dare say you should have abandoned your commission to stay with that Italian representation of feminine pulchritude.

Thank you again for sending this over. I thoroughly enjoyed looking through it. The vignettes had me laughing out loud. I thought you had some great, subtle one-liners. Not sure why, but the one about the Queen being personally upset that you were leaving the Navy really got me.  Chapter four was incredibly interesting. I think the parties sounded like tons of fun – I’m sure there were lots of characters and players and I would have liked to hear more about them! 
Overall, I had a great time reading! 10/10

I was delayed in reading your delightful words. Love the book cover...very impressive.

I must say, I had to take a longer break and was laughing all the time while reading every episode.

Think your father should have called you Martin the (Absolutely) Magnificent rather than the (Almost) Magnificent.

I would like a signed book! You certainly had an unusual life as a child and a remarkable 
situation as you describe your parents. Your description of history is stupendous.

I truly enjoyed your style of writing. What more can I say, except looking forward to more laughs.

Your book is also an amazing, humorous, straight-talking piece of literature and I hope the publishers are in your corner for producing this book.

A great read - brought a whole lot of memories flooding back.

Excellent. Very entertaining. You write brilliantly

Ok, ok, Martin. I finally got off my ar*e (English?) and read your accounts.

Funny! Entertaining! Hilarious! I KNOW THIS GUY, says I. "Indeed, you do" comes the reply.

I loved the story about Lucy! SO hilarious I was laughing out loud.

I, of course, remember her and she is still that innocent and totally truthful young girl that I haven't seen since your first Thanksgiving in the Colonies in Lakeridge, VA, back in the last century. I still remember your British crackers! I honestly think that was our finest Thanksgiving.

So glad you had the guts to do what you did! Few do. The Royal Navy lost a superb officer. You see, old man, you're an "Outa' The Box" kinda fellow and you went much farther in the States than you would have had you remained in the RN.

Anyway, I better get reading your accounts.  Somehow or other, you remind me of those Monty Python Brits that us Colonists came to love so much.

This is a great story, Martin. Thank you for sharing.

I have found the whole book to be thoroughly enjoyable and truly interesting in so many ways.

I have not been phased at all by the sometimes sudden shift of topic onto another tangent. There is always a reason or a link for this shift, sometimes not discernible until one has read on, but I find this style refreshing and gives me a real sense of anticipation. Your book will be best read in chunks, to be digested, talked and laughed about and shared with comrades before embarking on the next expedition into The Life of Martin.

Hi Martin, I read your book on the way out to Lanzarote and I have to admit to several belly laughs as well as a number of “I didn’t know that’s”. It turned a rather tedious journey into a great fun read with lots of memories and I thank you.

Sarah started reading on the way back and is still reading it. With no Naval background whatsoever, it means less to her but she is still enjoying it and will, I suspect, ask pertinent questions when we next meet.

Thanks Martin, you write beautifully, clear and elegant.

I look forward to reading the two chapters, and then Book one. I shall buy the second one when you let me know it is available.

A very funny, instructive (in parts), nostalgic and different book. Received. Many thanks to you. I look forward to your next visit where I shall expect you to sign my copy.

I just finished "A British Sailor's Odessey". I'm not much of a history buff by any stretch of the imagination. But I can Honestly say that I really did enjoy this book. The history as made delightful by the authors delivery of it. He tells the ups and downs of his life, personally, family life, education and military service.

Which I found to be very interesting. Having enjoyed his first book so much I am excited about the next one. His life in my country, USA!

If you want to know how "the Navy" really works, this is the best and funniest account since John Winton. 

I sit absolutely captivated by your writing style and the humor you provide your audience. I most certainly will read again and again. And...Your one liners are simply hysterical!

Martin’s story describes an incredible life beginning as a very junior officer in the Royal Navy, selected to study Electrical Engineering at Cambridge and his subsequent postings at sea and to further studies in Guided Weapons.
His naval service is punctuated with ‘interesting’ postings and personalities, great runs ashore and gives a unique insight into the RN of the late 60’ and 70’s. Throughout this time, he manages to find humour in almost every situation, describing a culture that I fear has long passed.
His clear technical abilities and ‘can do’ attitude was eventually recognised by his Transatlantic Cousins who poached him into being a most successful purveyor of expensive and dangerous weapons produced by the US Military Industrial Complex. Even after this monumental transition Martin still maintained his British sense of humour that must have both tested and bemused his US bosses and his clients.
Whether you are a contemporary of Martin’s or not, reading this book will give a fine insight into Royal Navy life of that period as well as taking you on many unexpected and delightful detours.

Martin, What a great book. Plenty of laughs spread throughout.
Your ability to remember great detail about events from the last century is astounding. I am glad to note that, just like the rest of us, your key ring is also a problem.
Having also attended RNEC Manadon I can also attest to its deadly accuracy.