Summary

"Going Solo," the autobiographical sequel to Roald Dahl's "Boy," recounts his thrilling adventures as a young man in the years leading up to and during World War II. The narrative begins in 1938, as Dahl embarks on his first job with the Shell Company in British East Africa. He vividly describes the sights, sounds, and eccentric characters he encounters on his voyage from England to Mombasa, offering a glimpse into the peculiar world of the British Empire-builders.

Arriving in Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika (now Tanzania), Dahl immerses himself in the colonial life, learning Swahili, exploring the vast landscapes, and encountering dangerous wildlife, including the deadly black mamba. His idyllic existence is soon disrupted by the looming threat of war. As tensions escalate, Dahl becomes a temporary army officer, tasked with rounding up German civilians, leading to a series of tense and morally ambiguous situations.

Driven by a desire to contribute to the war effort, Dahl joins the Royal Air Force (RAF) and undergoes rigorous flying training in Nairobi, Kenya, and Habbaniya, Iraq. He masters the art of aerial combat, learning to fly Hurricanes and Gladiators, though with minimal instruction. He is thrust into the thick of the action, flying against the Italians and later the Germans in Greece. Dahl recounts the harrowing experiences of aerial combat, the constant threat of death, and the camaraderie among the pilots.

The narrative reaches a climax during the Battle of Athens, where Dahl faces overwhelming odds against the German Luftwaffe. He survives numerous close calls, displaying courage and skill in the face of danger. After being injured, Dahl is invalided out of Greece and eventually returns to England, his life forever changed by his experiences in Africa and the war.