©2002, Preston Speed Publications, 344 pp., hbk.

The centuries-old on again, off again warfare between England and France was at times fought beyond the boundaries of the two countries and the adjoining waterways. This book is a fictionalized account of their twelve year battle for control of southern India in the eighteenth century.

The struggle for supremacy is told from the vantage point of young Charlie Manyat. With an uncle's help, fatherless Charlie becomes a writer for the East India Company in Madras. On their voyage to India, they endure a major storm and encounter an attack by pirates. These adventures are but a foretaste of what awaits the teenager in India.

Dissatisfied with the work, Charlie and a friend are granted their request to join Clive's forces as they prepare to make a desperate attack on the stronghold Arcot. Outnumbered by the enemy, they achieve an unexpected victory.

A major aim of both European forces was to obtain the support of local Indian leaders. Local leaders desired to be on the winning side. They would often switch their allegiance based on the prevailing army at a given time. Thus Charlie faces tremendous challenges when he is assigned to secretly train the troops of a chief many miles from English support. He must gain the confidence of those he trains, as well as be alert to plots and attacks against his aims by interior foes. These challenges test Charlie's nerve and leadership capabilities, as well as the definition of trust and friendship.

The remaining pages include accounts of Charlie being captured on sea and later on land. In the midst of these evils, man's depravity is ably portrayed, as also is God's providence. The author provides good accounts, based on historical records, of battles in Calcutta, Falta, Plassey and Masulipatam. In the midst of heroic action, Henty comments on bad leadership and the resulting defeats than can accompany it even when victory seems assured.

The book is full of fast-paced action as well as history of the fight for European dominance in Asia that is often not studied by students. This is due to the importance of colonial America's battles with England some fifteen years later. However, knowledge of the struggle for superiority in India provides good background for English and French reaction to the thirteen colonies' desire for independence.

As with other Henty volumes this one is full of page-turning action in the framework of an historical account. Fans of Henty, both young and old, will enjoy it.

Review ©2010 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia