Waterloo: The Bravest Man - Andrew Swanston

Published by Allison & Busby Limited: London, 2015.

This was an 'accidental' book, in that I was intending to select another 'Alphabet Soup' book for my list but ended up picking this book, which was from a letter I had already completed! Nothing had really jumped out at my in the 'T' section of fiction, so I had returned to the start of the section, saw this, took it home, and only then re-checked the author's name...

Nevertheless, I'm glad I read this. It is a quite fast-paced story, yet very detailed - the whole plot takes place over five days in June 1815, with most taking place on June the 18th. As the title suggests, it is focused around the battle of Waterloo, and particularly around one man, Colonel James Macdonell, who is tasked by the Duke of Wellington to hold the chateau of Hougoumont against the French troops of Napoleon. Against all odds, Macdonell and his men manage to do so. 

This is historical fiction, yet is also very factual, with the main character himself being an historical figure, and the author stressing that as much as possible he stuck to the facts. It is a fairly brutal look at warfare, but doesn't revel in its gore. It's intense but not gratuitous.

If you're interested in war stories, check it out.

Not much more to say, really.

Completed 28 March 2022.



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