Review by Sligobard -- Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isa...
Posted: 14 Feb 2018, 11:34
[Following is a volunteer review of "Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana" by James Mace.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Review of Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana
3 out of 4 rating
With a cast of characters rivaling Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, James Mace leads the reader on an epic journey that culminates in the shadow of the moon near an African landmark known as Isandlwana on the 22nd of January 1879. Some characters are historic figures whose biographies and actions have been meticulously researched to ground this novel in fact. Cultural differences are on display as well as competing goals, ambitions and sense of duty. The opportunistic seizing upon minor incident as manufactured casus belli sets in motion a tragedy that was both preventable and inevitable. The tale unfolds from a frontline perspective using the framing stories of a typical private, Arthur Wilkinson, and a Zulu warrior, Kawanele kaMandlenkosi.
The extent of the research that went into this novel is exemplary. The reader learns a great deal about the organization, training and deployment of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 24th Regiment of Foot including details of the firearms used. There is a glimpse of daily life of the recruits at depot and veterans in the field and the slow process for new soldiers gaining acceptance from the experienced rank they must fit into.
The authentic realism includes dialogue laced with swearing and profanity that in one instance bordered upon sacrilegious, which thankfully happened only once. I did wonder if some of the words today’s ears are familiar with were actually spoken in the 1870’s. A brief search of a Victorian swearword site revealed the words in question could have been spoken then. It still would have been nice to work in a “gadzooks” or something clearly Victorian.
The meticulous detail also extends to the African side of the story. The reader learns much about the organization of the impi, various weapons, tactics and cultural practices. The Zulu language is spoken. It becomes apparent that these warriors were worthy adversaries whose capabilities were underestimated by Her Majesty’s troops because of misconceptions if not bias.
As with any human writing project there were typographical and other errors to be found. For example: on pg. 121 it is clear from context that “this was the first time” should have been “this was not the first time.” On pg. 173: “Soon the sun soon broke over the hills.” One soon, it does not matter which, should be deleted. Proof reading in general should have been more attentive to detail and spotted the likes of the page 55 sentence: “He released his son’s army and quickly excused himself.” This makes more sense if you replace army with arm.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 4 rating and recommend it to your reading list. These issues raised have relevance for today: underestimating potential adversaries, bias against other cultures, overreaching goals and overuse of the military option. Brave soldiers who fight courageously should never be sacrificed for empire building. Their true purpose is national defense under competent leadership.
******
Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like Sligobard's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Review of Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana
3 out of 4 rating
With a cast of characters rivaling Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, James Mace leads the reader on an epic journey that culminates in the shadow of the moon near an African landmark known as Isandlwana on the 22nd of January 1879. Some characters are historic figures whose biographies and actions have been meticulously researched to ground this novel in fact. Cultural differences are on display as well as competing goals, ambitions and sense of duty. The opportunistic seizing upon minor incident as manufactured casus belli sets in motion a tragedy that was both preventable and inevitable. The tale unfolds from a frontline perspective using the framing stories of a typical private, Arthur Wilkinson, and a Zulu warrior, Kawanele kaMandlenkosi.
The extent of the research that went into this novel is exemplary. The reader learns a great deal about the organization, training and deployment of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 24th Regiment of Foot including details of the firearms used. There is a glimpse of daily life of the recruits at depot and veterans in the field and the slow process for new soldiers gaining acceptance from the experienced rank they must fit into.
The authentic realism includes dialogue laced with swearing and profanity that in one instance bordered upon sacrilegious, which thankfully happened only once. I did wonder if some of the words today’s ears are familiar with were actually spoken in the 1870’s. A brief search of a Victorian swearword site revealed the words in question could have been spoken then. It still would have been nice to work in a “gadzooks” or something clearly Victorian.
The meticulous detail also extends to the African side of the story. The reader learns much about the organization of the impi, various weapons, tactics and cultural practices. The Zulu language is spoken. It becomes apparent that these warriors were worthy adversaries whose capabilities were underestimated by Her Majesty’s troops because of misconceptions if not bias.
As with any human writing project there were typographical and other errors to be found. For example: on pg. 121 it is clear from context that “this was the first time” should have been “this was not the first time.” On pg. 173: “Soon the sun soon broke over the hills.” One soon, it does not matter which, should be deleted. Proof reading in general should have been more attentive to detail and spotted the likes of the page 55 sentence: “He released his son’s army and quickly excused himself.” This makes more sense if you replace army with arm.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 4 rating and recommend it to your reading list. These issues raised have relevance for today: underestimating potential adversaries, bias against other cultures, overreaching goals and overuse of the military option. Brave soldiers who fight courageously should never be sacrificed for empire building. Their true purpose is national defense under competent leadership.
******
Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
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