A Close Run Thing: A Novel of Wellington's Army of 1815

A great debut novel. The only point been 1815 onwards was a dull military period for the cavalry (up to the Crimea). So starting his "literary career here" was probably an strategic mistake. The only book I kept of the series when moving house... and I went as far as those two in the frontier between Spain and Portugal (only able to digest them because of the Peninsula flashbacks)... the fact the author has to introduce those flashbacks tends to prove what I have already said... Get this one , it is very good and provides a new light on HORSES (which are no motorbikes with legs after all!). ADB

Mr. Mallinson dedicates his book, appropriately to the Light Dragoons, formally the 13th/18th and 15th/19th Hussars. These fine old regiments, like so many in the British Army today, are no more, and live on in truncated form. Mallinson pays tribute to them in his book. Cornet Hervey is a different kind of hero. Those use to the head-bashing logic of Sharpe and co. may find this book a bit of a challenge. I must confess I did at first, but what we have here is a different perspective of the time, and perhaps a somewhat more realistic one. Mallinson's character is educated, and accomplishes more with brains than brawn, though he does not lack in his saber skills, and has a rash temper to boot!Still, we are not dealing with another Sharpe here, and Mallinsonattempts to provide a portrait of the time as well. The middle section where the regiment is stationed in Ireland was particularly well done, as it shows how difficult the transition must be for soldiers to become policemen. Also readers can see how difficult the Irish posting was for British soldiers then, as it is now. Hervey is not a rake like Sharpe, and he must agonize before declaring his love for the woman he desires. The depiction of Waterloo was interesting as well, since Mallinson places Hervey on the left flank of the battlefield, the part of the battle often least discussed, because it lacked the glamor of Hugamont and Le Haie Sainte positions. But this flank was extremely important to Wellington, as the arrival of the Prussians were crucial to the success of the battle. Hervery expereinces the trials and tribulations of awaiting the slow moving Prussians, and must attemept to effectively liason with them as they arrive. Perhaps the characters are a little less vibrant, and the writing a bit slow at times, but this series has promise. Hervey will need to explore his career in the 19th Century British Empire, and will therefore provide the reader with an interesting transition from the conventional warfare of the Napoleanic period, to the smaller affais of the Empire. Perhaps we might get the Sikh Wars in a future installment as well!

It's got battles, romance, intrigue, family values and a main character with real depth. Also, I just about doubled my limited knowledge of horses and cavalry. Don't let the language scare you: it's English, after all!

Mallinson's book is a superb study of the life, traditions, perspective and environment of the Napoleonic cavalry officer. It is also thoroughly engrossing in its depiction of the England of that period, in all its complexity of class, religion, and politics. The story is well paced, beginning and ending with taut and realistic depictions of battle from horseback - this is one of the most detailed depictions of the unique and compelling world of the Napoleonic horse soldier in fiction. The reader is given an eye-level view of the critical impacts that horse quality, unit tactics and weapons, and aggressive regimental leadership had on the successes and failures of that military arm. The comparisons to O'Brien (who, by the way, is credited for delivering advice and encouragement to Mallinson during the writing, so HE apparently thoroughly enjoyed the book) are relevant in so far as the historical period goes, but the characters themselves are of a drastically different motivation and environment - form your own opinion on the validity of such comparisons. Aside from Cornwell's excellent "Sharpe" series, (which, with its focus on the up-from-the-ranks world view of its main character is much different than the upper class atmosphere of the cavalry that defines Mallinson's work) there are few good choices when it comes to military Napoleonic fictions. As we know, excellent choices in the naval arena abound - maybe if more writers with Mallinson's expertise and skill give it a try, the ground pounders (foot and horse) will reclaim some ground. If you enjoy accurate historical fiction, are a lover of horses or the cavalry, or simply enjoy a good story, try this book, you won't be disappointed.

What Bernard Cornwell did for Wellington's infantry and Patrick O'Brian did for the Royal Navy, Allan Mallinson has done for the cavalry, and, in so doing, has written a book that is an excellent image of the early 19th century in England. While this book accurately reflects the military events of the time, what makes it such a memorable read is its depiction of the society and characteristics of the era. This reader hopes that Mallinson takes Matthew Hervey into some of the other events that a cavalryman might experience in the post- Waterloo age Talent like this should not stop with one. If dashing characters, action and romance are your forte, you will not go wrong with this fine, first effort. As for me, I'm looking forward to the next one--an eternal optimist!