The Blunted Lance (2)

by Max Hennessy

The Goffs, a family devoted to The Regiment—the Nineteenth Lancers—find themselves charting a history of the world from the Sudan to South Africa, Flanders to Palestine. Charging and retreating on the wide plains of a failing British Empire, Coby Goff rises to the rank of Field Marshal and Dabney is honored as a hero. But they witness the decline of the beloved cavalry, defeated in the face of pounding artillery, the tank, and machine gun.

Genres: Historical Fiction

334 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1981

About the author

Pseudonym of John Harris

Reviews

[Richard T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remembrance of English Military Families

It’s quite possible that I’ve never read a final chapter so affecting as this one. So powerful in its impact that it very cleverly prepared you for the next chapter. (Book) The book was a delight. Not funny or sweet, it is after all about a military man and his family, but it took you through his last years in a warmly absorbing manner. Thank you, Mr. Hennessy! I’m looking forward to your next.

[Ian Denner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

What I enjoy about these books is how the author works in the family dinamic and the different generations without going overboard. Sometimes it is easy getting lost in too much detail or in too much people, but I happy to say that did not happen in this series. It is easy to follow the actions of the various generations, and the various people as well.

[David Guymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, you come upon a book by an author who makes you go "Where have you been all my life?" and that was Blunted Lance for me. I picked it up because I was interested in reading about cavalry and it was in my local library and it was absolutely brilliant in absolutely every way.

I will be reading every book by Max Hennessy I cam find and will probably pay real money for them too.

[Nigel Copeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is a tragic waste for all concerned

A great story hence the 5 stars. Who gets through one off the worst world wars ever fought that left families with no men to continue there family tree.

[Kam eghdami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite engaging. One could feel the misery and hopelessness of soldiers in the trenches. The incompetence and borderline inhumanity of the generals bordered on criminality. Sufficient detail to inform without overwhelming. The entire series so far has been a pleasant surprise

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of a time gone by

It’s a story of a family with all there faults and ventures. How the world changed between the 19th century and the 20th century. A good read to get a feeling for the times.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was certainly more interesting and readable that the first in the series. It was interesting to read a fictionalized account of the Second Boer War since I had a distant relative who fought in it and was involved the the Ladysmith siege. He survived.

[Viva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read books 1 and 3 and liked them but for some reason I just couldn't get into book 2. I tried to read this twice but dnf'd it both times. Perhaps I didn't enjoy the S. African scenario or the family life. Since I do like the author, I'm now on another Max Hennessy book though.

[Dave Hammett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrors of war

The glory with all the horror; war. Easy read because it covers both sides of the war in Europe. One family on both sides.

[Mark Croxford · Rating 4 out of 5]

End of Era

Whilst much of the book is set in WW1 the earlier portions covers wars in Egypt and Africa that I wasn't familiar with. This has sparked my interest to learn more about them.

[Guy Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice beginning of series

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and done well. Connected all the characters together so there was coherence alone them all. Now off to find more books by Max.

[john temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

A diverting tale with Pathos throughout, the pain of those left behind is all too real as is the description of the trench life of the first world war. The stark differences as well as the similarities of the different eras, especially the conflicts, is brought to life on each page. Thoroughly e notable tale which makes you saved for the next page and indeed for the next book

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

More exploits from the ' Goff' family from the Sudan to the First World War. Great stuff.

[alan john berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

I have read both book 1&2 could not put them down looking forward to book 3 which I hope is

[anthony heazell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story

Such a splendid historical tour de force. How the Army developed its officer corps and dragged itself towards more modern methods. On to the third book with no delay.

[Robert Yearsley]

Good Read