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Amazon.co.uk Review
It's 1817, and Matthew Hervey has returned to find England as turbulent as the India he has just left. The country is on the verge of revolution, and the lack of any policing means that the army is obliged to keep order. The cavalry are at the forefront in this arena, and Hervey's life is further complicated by his pending nuptials to Lady Henrietta Lindsay. The crux of the novel, though, is his conflict with the new commanding officer of the Sixth, who has a massive hatred of him (as well as nurturing a sinister secret). Mallinson skilfully orchestrates the clash between the two men towards a climax that combines the epic and the personal. Many writers have tackled the novel of historical warfare, but few have imbued it with the literate and stylistic elegance that Mallinson possesses; this is a series that goes from strength to strength.
The downpour was so heavy that Hervey's reins kept slipping through his fingers, and he had to wedge his insteps in firmly to save losing his stirrups. Driven almost horizontal by the wind, the rain lashed his face viciously, and no matter how he bent his head, water found its way down his neck and inside his tunic and shirt
--Barry Forshaw --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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The story concentrates on building up the character of Matthew Hervey, spending much time on his marriage and early wedded bliss. We see the conflict of interest between duty to the regiment and to his wife and the struggle to adjust to married life.
The book also concentrates on the turmoil erupting in England post the end of war with France. With the disbanding of many regiments and ships. The great number of soldiers and sailors left to fend for themselves in what sometimes seems an ungreatful nation. Also the great uprisings of the Luddite movement.
While Matthew Hervey is comming to terms with married life and the conflicts of 'active' duty in his home country he is also fighting a potentially more devistating action with the new commanding officer of his regiment. All through this book as the conflict with his commanding officer develops I cannot help but draw to mind the conflict between the men of the 11th Hussars and their commanding officer Lord Cardigan. I half expected the 'Black bottle' incident to appear. It is this conflict which brings the book to a completely unexpected and dramatic conclusion. The effect on the reader being to close the book and start counting down the days to the arrival of the next installment of the adventures of Matthew Hervey.
It is easy to see why Mallinson's work is often compared to that of Patrick O'Brian, in that the action takes place in the early 19th century and covers the life of a military figure with great personal convictions and honour, often fighting not only the countries enemies but also the gross stupidity of the military system of the day. But if feel that to suggest that Mallinson is 'another O'Brian' is doing both men a disservice. I truely feel that Mallinson has captured a very real character of his own and brings to life a more down to earth England. His knowledge of the cavalry is second to none, as you would expect from a serving officer in one of the greatest cavelry regiments of this country.
Historical novels around this period generally concentrate Georgian or Victorian times so I like the way Mallinson's books occupy the space in between.
The principal character, Matthew Hervey, is a believable mixture of diffidence and decisiveness.
I note that one of the reviews criticises the dramatic conclusion. Mallinson hardly writes pulp fiction and I must admit I found it moving - but we're all different.
I can understand the comparison with Patrick O'Brian - for me it amounts the same sort of pleasure reading both authors work.
However, in spite of the characterisation assassination above, I like these books. Why? Because their attention to detail and historical accuracy is absolutely spot on. The stories are well crafted and the plot keeps you turning the pages.
If you read this Mr. Mallinson - keep going but please make Hervey a little more flawed.
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