Now I'm not suggesting that Hervey should be the new Sharpe. Bernard Cornwell has that particular market for more action orientated tales sewn up (all be it with some competition from Jonathan Lunn and Anthony Conway). Unfortunately Mallinson appears to be taking Hervey in the opposite direction, with social, cultural and religious detail taking increasing prominence at the expense of military action and whilst to some people the minutae of regimental life in the early to mid-19th Century may be fascinating it will never be exciting.

Part of the problem would seem to be the author's desire to be absolutely precise in his historical detail, right down to modes of speech. This both slows the narrative to the point where it seems stilted and dry and also makes it hard to empathise with the characters or setting. Hitorical context should not be ignored entirely, but removing all contemporary reference points and drowning everying in factual details leaves the book almost impenetrable in places. Especially when married to an almost complete lack of humour or wit.

It doesn't help that as a lead Hervey is so utterly lacking in charm. We are meant to believe that he is not only a fine, dynamic officer but also attractive and personable, especially to the opposite sex, yet none of this comes across. Instead he seems cold, distant, selfish and priggish. Even his younger self, seen in flashback, who should be wide eyed and innocent, is tainted by his older self's flaws. Novels such as these need a sympathetic and admirable lead for readers to warm to. With Matthew Hervey the author is in danger of creating exactly the opposite.

Finally, and in some ways most damagingly, Allan Mallinson appears to be no better at writing action than he ever was. Possibly he just isn't that interested in it, but it has always been the series major weak spot and for books dealing with military matters a potentially fatal one too. With the rest of book threatening the reader with tedium it is all the more important that action when it occurs is exciting and well presented. Here it is as dry and stilted as the rest of the book.

If the series continues in the direction it is currently heading I fear that the 'adventures' of Matthew Hervey will cease to be of interest to more than devotees of period detail, which would be a shame. All I can hope is, having struggled though this latest book, that Allan Mallinson spends a little less time on researching historical fact and more on rediscovering a sense of excitement and fun that is vital for books such as these. My patience with the series might be exhausted, but I'm sure there are many who hope for better next time.


It's ok   December 2, 2004
 7 out of 9 found this review helpful

You get the feeling that Mr Mallinson thought the Napoleonic market was too crowded and sought to explore other, less well known events. Which is great, except that sometines the Napoleonics are more interesting and exciting.

Too much evangelism - again. Robert Graves had it right, God and war is Hell, leave him out of it.

Harvey looks like he might turn into an insuffrable Victorian prig without care. I wonder what Flashman would've made of him?