Review by kdstrack -- Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isan...
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[Following is a volunteer review of "Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana" by James Mace.]
[rbc=4]id142121-125[/rbc]
“There are not enough tears to mourn the dead,” seems a fitting epitaph to this war. The author follows two characters throughout the war between the British Empire and the nation of the Zulus of South Africa. Arthur Wilkinson and Kwanele both love their nation. They enter into the war to defend and, if necessary, to die for their beloved homeland. As the author follows the different battles, the reader discovers the destiny of each of these characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations of the African scenery included in the book. They help to give the reader a better idea of the terrain where the fighting occurred. There are also many photographs of the actual British and Zulu soldiers who participated in this war. These photographs help portray the sharp differences between the stern, professionally trained British and the Zulu warriors with their primitive shields and spears. There are also several illustrations that gave a better idea of the wagons and weapons that were available for the soldiers of this time period.
The writer does a superb job of making history come alive. The conversations are written in third person omniscient, carrying you into the thinking and strategy of both sides of the conflict. He helps the reader understand the motivation of the British in wanting to acquire the Zulu territory and the fierce desire of the Zulus in defending their homeland.
The author obviously did a great deal of research in preparing to write this work of historical fiction. As the story followed the life of private Arthur we see how the British soldiers lived, worked, slept, trained, fought, watched their friends die in battle, among others. On the other side, we see Kwanele with his rituals, traditions, superstitions, and his father’s overbearing attitude. I highly congratulate the author on a work so thoroughly researched and his ability to present the historical events in such an intriguing manner.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This book is a must for people who enjoy history. I also think that people who are not fans of history will like this book as the author portrays the suspense and description of the confrontation by presenting both sides of the war from each side’s perspective. The only unanswered question I have is in regard to Arthur’s wife. What happened to Elsa? Much ado is made of their marriage and Elsa’s subsequent preparations to travel to South Africa. After that Elsa disappears from the story.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction about war will enjoy this book. Also, this is an excellent resource for people who want to know more about the British Empire and their insatiable desire for expansion. Likewise, those who are interested in the history of South Africa and the Zulus will find a wealth of material in this text.
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Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana
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“There are not enough tears to mourn the dead,” seems a fitting epitaph to this war. The author follows two characters throughout the war between the British Empire and the nation of the Zulus of South Africa. Arthur Wilkinson and Kwanele both love their nation. They enter into the war to defend and, if necessary, to die for their beloved homeland. As the author follows the different battles, the reader discovers the destiny of each of these characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations of the African scenery included in the book. They help to give the reader a better idea of the terrain where the fighting occurred. There are also many photographs of the actual British and Zulu soldiers who participated in this war. These photographs help portray the sharp differences between the stern, professionally trained British and the Zulu warriors with their primitive shields and spears. There are also several illustrations that gave a better idea of the wagons and weapons that were available for the soldiers of this time period.
The writer does a superb job of making history come alive. The conversations are written in third person omniscient, carrying you into the thinking and strategy of both sides of the conflict. He helps the reader understand the motivation of the British in wanting to acquire the Zulu territory and the fierce desire of the Zulus in defending their homeland.
The author obviously did a great deal of research in preparing to write this work of historical fiction. As the story followed the life of private Arthur we see how the British soldiers lived, worked, slept, trained, fought, watched their friends die in battle, among others. On the other side, we see Kwanele with his rituals, traditions, superstitions, and his father’s overbearing attitude. I highly congratulate the author on a work so thoroughly researched and his ability to present the historical events in such an intriguing manner.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This book is a must for people who enjoy history. I also think that people who are not fans of history will like this book as the author portrays the suspense and description of the confrontation by presenting both sides of the war from each side’s perspective. The only unanswered question I have is in regard to Arthur’s wife. What happened to Elsa? Much ado is made of their marriage and Elsa’s subsequent preparations to travel to South Africa. After that Elsa disappears from the story.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction about war will enjoy this book. Also, this is an excellent resource for people who want to know more about the British Empire and their insatiable desire for expansion. Likewise, those who are interested in the history of South Africa and the Zulus will find a wealth of material in this text.
******
Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana
View: on Bookshelves |
Like kdstrack's review? Post a comment saying so!
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