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Fortune's Soldier
It is 1744, and Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman dreaming of a life as laird of his ancestral estate finds himself quite unexpectedly on the Winchester, a ship bound for Hindustan, seeking to begin a new life as a ‘writer’ on the rolls of the British East India Company. On board, he meets the spirited and mercurial Robert Clive, determined – at whatever cost – to make a fortune in a land of opportunity.
Over the years that follow, their friendship sees many twists and turns as Clive’s restless hunger for wealth and power takes him from being a clerk to a commander in the Company’s forces, masterminding plans to snuff out rival French interests in Hindustan and eventually leading the company forces to victory at Plassey, the prelude to nearly two centuries of foreign rule in Hindustan.
Brilliantly crafted, and bringing to life the momentous events that shook India in the mid-eighteenth century, Fortune’s Soldier is an epic tale of a fascinating era by a master storyteller.
Over the years that follow, their friendship sees many twists and turns as Clive’s restless hunger for wealth and power takes him from being a clerk to a commander in the Company’s forces, masterminding plans to snuff out rival French interests in Hindustan and eventually leading the company forces to victory at Plassey, the prelude to nearly two centuries of foreign rule in Hindustan.
Brilliantly crafted, and bringing to life the momentous events that shook India in the mid-eighteenth century, Fortune’s Soldier is an epic tale of a fascinating era by a master storyteller.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 2018
73 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Alex Rutherford
20 books315 followersAlex Rutherford is the pen name of Diana Preston and her husband Michael. Both studied at Oxford University reading History and English respectively. They are keen travellers and have now clocked up visits to over 140 of the world's countries.
Says Diana 'our greatest love is India where we've spent at least a year of our lives. Our research into the building of the Taj Mahal for our non-fiction book 'A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time', led us to explore the early history of the dynasty which built the Taj – the Moghuls. To help us get inside the heads of the founders of the Moghul dynasty for our fiction quintet 'Empire of the Moghul', we've read all the chronicles of the time. Over the years we've also retraced the steps of the Moghuls from the Ferghana Valley in Kyrgyzstan – home to the first Moghul emperor, the boy-king Babur – to Iran and to the blue domes and minarets of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, across the red deserts to the Oxus River, over the Hindu Kush to Kabul and Afghanistan and down through the Khyber Pass to the plains of northern India.
'In fact, apart from on one occasion when we were stranded on a remote island off the coast of Borneo and forced to hide from pirates, some of our hairiest moments when travelling have been when researching our non-fiction books. While working on our book about Captain Scott and the race for the South Pole, 'A First Rate Tragedy', the Russian research vessel on which we were sailing into Antarctica's Ross Sea was nearly lost in one of the worst storms in Antarctic history with 140 knot winds (over 240 kilometres per hour) and 20 metre high waves. The life rafts washed overboard and the superstructure iced up like the inside of an old fridge, putting us in danger of capsizing. On another occasion while researching our book on one of our favourite characters the buccaneer-naturalist William Dampier, 'A Pirate of Exquisite Mind', we set out in his footsteps to cross the Darien Isthmus in Panama with local Indian guides. We had to dodge FARC guerrillas, Colombian paramilitaries and the deadly fer de lance snake, in the latter case wading waist high in rivers – our guide claimed snakes can't bite and swim at the same time!'
Says Diana 'our greatest love is India where we've spent at least a year of our lives. Our research into the building of the Taj Mahal for our non-fiction book 'A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time', led us to explore the early history of the dynasty which built the Taj – the Moghuls. To help us get inside the heads of the founders of the Moghul dynasty for our fiction quintet 'Empire of the Moghul', we've read all the chronicles of the time. Over the years we've also retraced the steps of the Moghuls from the Ferghana Valley in Kyrgyzstan – home to the first Moghul emperor, the boy-king Babur – to Iran and to the blue domes and minarets of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, across the red deserts to the Oxus River, over the Hindu Kush to Kabul and Afghanistan and down through the Khyber Pass to the plains of northern India.
'In fact, apart from on one occasion when we were stranded on a remote island off the coast of Borneo and forced to hide from pirates, some of our hairiest moments when travelling have been when researching our non-fiction books. While working on our book about Captain Scott and the race for the South Pole, 'A First Rate Tragedy', the Russian research vessel on which we were sailing into Antarctica's Ross Sea was nearly lost in one of the worst storms in Antarctic history with 140 knot winds (over 240 kilometres per hour) and 20 metre high waves. The life rafts washed overboard and the superstructure iced up like the inside of an old fridge, putting us in danger of capsizing. On another occasion while researching our book on one of our favourite characters the buccaneer-naturalist William Dampier, 'A Pirate of Exquisite Mind', we set out in his footsteps to cross the Darien Isthmus in Panama with local Indian guides. We had to dodge FARC guerrillas, Colombian paramilitaries and the deadly fer de lance snake, in the latter case wading waist high in rivers – our guide claimed snakes can't bite and swim at the same time!'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 24, 2018
Fortune's Soldier is an apt description of our past which we always think about ruefully. It vividly paints the picture of how the British found their way into our motherland through the passage of trade and settled here to establish their supremacy. They made us slaves in our own country. And we let them rule over us for we were blinded by the lust for authority and were driven by rivalries and shifting allegiances.
Nicholas is the protagonist of the book who has been sent to Hindustan by his loving Uncle in order to make his fortune. As soon as he lands in Calcutta, something strikes him and it remains as he decided to stick with Hindustan for all his life. His living in Hindustan, his struggles, his friendship with Clive and Tuhin Singh, his missions, his principles, his grief - everything is intertwined in the well-put narrative of the book. What charmed me the most was the free-flowing narration which did fell flat at some points but managed to pique my interest with some fascinating turn of events. I was drawn towards the book right in the beginning and lost in the middle of the book for I felt it was dragging more than necessary. However, I guess a lot of detail has to be there because history has been a boring subject for the time immemorial. To connect the book to the readers, it is important if they could imagine each thing in their head and read between the lines.
The book points out the endurance of Hindustanis and yet their foolhardy nonsensical hunger for power which got them to lick the dust. It has at its focus the fight between British and French who were equally interested in securing a safe trade position in India. None wanted to fall short and none wanted to share even. This battle has had the major years of Nicholas who meanwhile fell in love - a very tender love- and lost it before he could fully revel in its glory. He is shown to be a controlled man when he doesn't let his lust overpower his wits in bringing a French lady to his bed. He is a man of principles which he values throughout his life. He is a man of relationships he bears with utmost carefulness and affection.
Robert Clive who was the dearest friend of Nicholas proves to us that if we wish for something, we could have it. If opportunities don't knock at your door, create them on your own. As he says, "If chances don't come quickly enough, I'll engineer them." And so he does and thus goes on winning the battle of Plassey. A lovely character he has been. For Indians, their Pride came before their fall. And this changed the course of their destiny forever.
What caused me a little headache was numerous characters which didn't seem to stay in my head for long. But what excited me was their development as it brought them alive with every incident that followed.
Agreed, this book is pretty thick and difficult to carry on due to its relevance to history but trust me, hold on to it and you would totally love reading it.
Nicholas is the protagonist of the book who has been sent to Hindustan by his loving Uncle in order to make his fortune. As soon as he lands in Calcutta, something strikes him and it remains as he decided to stick with Hindustan for all his life. His living in Hindustan, his struggles, his friendship with Clive and Tuhin Singh, his missions, his principles, his grief - everything is intertwined in the well-put narrative of the book. What charmed me the most was the free-flowing narration which did fell flat at some points but managed to pique my interest with some fascinating turn of events. I was drawn towards the book right in the beginning and lost in the middle of the book for I felt it was dragging more than necessary. However, I guess a lot of detail has to be there because history has been a boring subject for the time immemorial. To connect the book to the readers, it is important if they could imagine each thing in their head and read between the lines.
The book points out the endurance of Hindustanis and yet their foolhardy nonsensical hunger for power which got them to lick the dust. It has at its focus the fight between British and French who were equally interested in securing a safe trade position in India. None wanted to fall short and none wanted to share even. This battle has had the major years of Nicholas who meanwhile fell in love - a very tender love- and lost it before he could fully revel in its glory. He is shown to be a controlled man when he doesn't let his lust overpower his wits in bringing a French lady to his bed. He is a man of principles which he values throughout his life. He is a man of relationships he bears with utmost carefulness and affection.
Robert Clive who was the dearest friend of Nicholas proves to us that if we wish for something, we could have it. If opportunities don't knock at your door, create them on your own. As he says, "If chances don't come quickly enough, I'll engineer them." And so he does and thus goes on winning the battle of Plassey. A lovely character he has been. For Indians, their Pride came before their fall. And this changed the course of their destiny forever.
What caused me a little headache was numerous characters which didn't seem to stay in my head for long. But what excited me was their development as it brought them alive with every incident that followed.
Agreed, this book is pretty thick and difficult to carry on due to its relevance to history but trust me, hold on to it and you would totally love reading it.
December 23, 2018
|3.75 stars|
Fortune’s Soldier by Alex Rutherford is the story of Nicholas Ballantyne, officially a soldier in the East India Company. But that man was so much more- a messenger, a spy, a friend, a savior, a lover.
The story is based on documents that were found during an auction. These documents contained letters and other details about Ballantyne’s journey throughout India, his involvement in the war between France and England and his relationship with fellow soldiers and natives.
The story starts from the Highlands of Scotland, where fate pushes Nicholas to India, then known as Hindustan. Nicholas’s journey through time and places is quite eventful. We see a lot of different sides to Nicholas’s character, and that is one of the key features of the book. The character development is astonishing and it is these characters who hold the story together.
We also get a glimpse of political strategies and war planning by various Nawabs in India. The details have been provided by means of dialogues most of the times, and that was quite engrossing.
What didn’t work for me was the fact that the book didn’t reach a high, and the thrill factor was missing almost throughout the book. Things got a bit exciting only towards the end.
Fortune’s Soldier is about the life of a soldier who had adventures (mostly dangerous) awaiting him at every turn. It is informational, detailed, and has its own peaks and troughs.
Fortune’s Soldier by Alex Rutherford is the story of Nicholas Ballantyne, officially a soldier in the East India Company. But that man was so much more- a messenger, a spy, a friend, a savior, a lover.
The story is based on documents that were found during an auction. These documents contained letters and other details about Ballantyne’s journey throughout India, his involvement in the war between France and England and his relationship with fellow soldiers and natives.
The story starts from the Highlands of Scotland, where fate pushes Nicholas to India, then known as Hindustan. Nicholas’s journey through time and places is quite eventful. We see a lot of different sides to Nicholas’s character, and that is one of the key features of the book. The character development is astonishing and it is these characters who hold the story together.
We also get a glimpse of political strategies and war planning by various Nawabs in India. The details have been provided by means of dialogues most of the times, and that was quite engrossing.
What didn’t work for me was the fact that the book didn’t reach a high, and the thrill factor was missing almost throughout the book. Things got a bit exciting only towards the end.
Fortune’s Soldier is about the life of a soldier who had adventures (mostly dangerous) awaiting him at every turn. It is informational, detailed, and has its own peaks and troughs.
February 24, 2019
39th Book of 2018
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'There's little point dwelling on the past and determining who was responsible. What matters now is what happens next.' (332)
&
'The longer we live, the more complex our hopes and desires become... the more risks there is of disappointing ourselves and others.' (414)
Rating - 4 Stars
Plot Summary - It is 1744, and Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman dreaming of a life as laird of his ancestral estate finds himself quite unexpectedly on the Winchester, a ship bound for Hindustan, seeking to begin a new life as a ‘writer’ on the rolls of the British East India Company. On board, he meets the spirited and mercurial Robert Clive, determined – at whatever cost – to make a fortune in a land of opportunity.
Over the years that follow, their friendship sees many twists and turns as Clive’s restless hunger for wealth and power takes him from being a clerk to a commander in the Company’s forces, masterminding plans to snuff out rival French interests in Hindustan and eventually leading the company forces to victory at Plassey, the prelude to nearly two centuries of foreign rule in Hindustan.
Brilliantly crafted, and bringing to life the momentous events that shook India in the mid-eighteenth century, Fortune’s Soldiers is an epic tale of a fascinating era by a master storyteller.
My Review - Set in the 1740s, the book focuses on the earlier days of British East India Company when their main focus was on trading rather than ruling. The book tells the tale of Company and its tough time setting a Monopoly in trade, plucking French traders from Eastern India especially Calcutta and Madras. This book was written taking reference from some lost letters, Diaries and Miscellaneous papers found from the large Metal box from an Auction house in Calcutta by the author. The dairy was claimed to have been written by Nicolas Ballantyne who was among the 2 poignant from the book and also the central fictional character of the book.
The book is a blend of some characters which are real and some that have been created by the Author. While the book focuses on trade war between French in Britishers in India, it also deals a lot about the relation between the central characters. May it be friendship between Robert, Nicolas and Tuhin Singh, the loyalty of Tuhin Singh for Nicolas, Love that Nicolas had for Meena and many more.
The title of the book as 'Fortune's Soldier' is apt in accordance with the Poignant Robert Clive. As at the beginning of the book, its said that Britishers don't live long in India enough to make a fortune and return to their land. Which was later been proved totally opposite by Robert Clive whose ambitions and dedication made him reach to the highest of his capabilities.
I liked the book to a greater extent than I thought. During my school days, History was among the boring and Mug-up subjects for me. The hectic and brainstorming sessions to remember all the Dates, Warriors, War arena and everything that I feel interesting. But this book reignited in me the interest to know more about such historical event. It made me love and rekindled my curiosity bug about History. I would recommend this book to all those people who have even a pinch of curiosity or interest to know more about what happened in India in the 1700s or how the British started to encapture over the Country.
Conclusion - Right proportion of Non-Fiction and Fiction, enough to reignite the love for History in the reader.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'There's little point dwelling on the past and determining who was responsible. What matters now is what happens next.' (332)
&
'The longer we live, the more complex our hopes and desires become... the more risks there is of disappointing ourselves and others.' (414)
Rating - 4 Stars
Plot Summary - It is 1744, and Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman dreaming of a life as laird of his ancestral estate finds himself quite unexpectedly on the Winchester, a ship bound for Hindustan, seeking to begin a new life as a ‘writer’ on the rolls of the British East India Company. On board, he meets the spirited and mercurial Robert Clive, determined – at whatever cost – to make a fortune in a land of opportunity.
Over the years that follow, their friendship sees many twists and turns as Clive’s restless hunger for wealth and power takes him from being a clerk to a commander in the Company’s forces, masterminding plans to snuff out rival French interests in Hindustan and eventually leading the company forces to victory at Plassey, the prelude to nearly two centuries of foreign rule in Hindustan.
Brilliantly crafted, and bringing to life the momentous events that shook India in the mid-eighteenth century, Fortune’s Soldiers is an epic tale of a fascinating era by a master storyteller.
My Review - Set in the 1740s, the book focuses on the earlier days of British East India Company when their main focus was on trading rather than ruling. The book tells the tale of Company and its tough time setting a Monopoly in trade, plucking French traders from Eastern India especially Calcutta and Madras. This book was written taking reference from some lost letters, Diaries and Miscellaneous papers found from the large Metal box from an Auction house in Calcutta by the author. The dairy was claimed to have been written by Nicolas Ballantyne who was among the 2 poignant from the book and also the central fictional character of the book.
The book is a blend of some characters which are real and some that have been created by the Author. While the book focuses on trade war between French in Britishers in India, it also deals a lot about the relation between the central characters. May it be friendship between Robert, Nicolas and Tuhin Singh, the loyalty of Tuhin Singh for Nicolas, Love that Nicolas had for Meena and many more.
The title of the book as 'Fortune's Soldier' is apt in accordance with the Poignant Robert Clive. As at the beginning of the book, its said that Britishers don't live long in India enough to make a fortune and return to their land. Which was later been proved totally opposite by Robert Clive whose ambitions and dedication made him reach to the highest of his capabilities.
I liked the book to a greater extent than I thought. During my school days, History was among the boring and Mug-up subjects for me. The hectic and brainstorming sessions to remember all the Dates, Warriors, War arena and everything that I feel interesting. But this book reignited in me the interest to know more about such historical event. It made me love and rekindled my curiosity bug about History. I would recommend this book to all those people who have even a pinch of curiosity or interest to know more about what happened in India in the 1700s or how the British started to encapture over the Country.
Conclusion - Right proportion of Non-Fiction and Fiction, enough to reignite the love for History in the reader.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
December 27, 2018
3.5/5
A historical fiction which sheds light on the dawn of the British Empire in India.
It’s 1744, Nicholas Ballantyne dreams of becoming a laird (heir) of his ancestral estate in the Scottish highlands, but fate has other plans. He is sent to Hindustan, on a ship named ‘Winchester’. He meets Robert Clive, who dreams of making a name and fortune by hook or crook in Hindustan.
Nicholas and Clive befriend each other and we read about Nicholas’s journey in the country and about Clive’s workings and his hunger for power, being at the epicenter of East India company and constantly hatching plans to chuck the rival French interests in the country.
Set in five parts, it neatly examined the insider workings of the East India company, one which we didn’t read much in history textbooks. How the British were able to craft their way in a superpower country was executed nicely.
Characterization was good. I really liked Nicholas’s character, Harry Ross and Tuhin Singh. This book took me back in time as I read about the Nawabs, Bengal, the French working and the East India company.
What I liked:
Imaginative story, complete with a slice of history.
Internal workings of the East India company as they try to establish a strong hold in the country.
What I didn’t like:
The constant parabolic nature of the plot.
Too many characters.
The book dragged a lot in between.
It didn’t pick up pace for the first 100 pages.
Thank you Hachette India for the review copy and the readalong.
A historical fiction which sheds light on the dawn of the British Empire in India.
It’s 1744, Nicholas Ballantyne dreams of becoming a laird (heir) of his ancestral estate in the Scottish highlands, but fate has other plans. He is sent to Hindustan, on a ship named ‘Winchester’. He meets Robert Clive, who dreams of making a name and fortune by hook or crook in Hindustan.
Nicholas and Clive befriend each other and we read about Nicholas’s journey in the country and about Clive’s workings and his hunger for power, being at the epicenter of East India company and constantly hatching plans to chuck the rival French interests in the country.
Set in five parts, it neatly examined the insider workings of the East India company, one which we didn’t read much in history textbooks. How the British were able to craft their way in a superpower country was executed nicely.
Characterization was good. I really liked Nicholas’s character, Harry Ross and Tuhin Singh. This book took me back in time as I read about the Nawabs, Bengal, the French working and the East India company.
What I liked:
Imaginative story, complete with a slice of history.
Internal workings of the East India company as they try to establish a strong hold in the country.
What I didn’t like:
The constant parabolic nature of the plot.
Too many characters.
The book dragged a lot in between.
It didn’t pick up pace for the first 100 pages.
Thank you Hachette India for the review copy and the readalong.
December 26, 2018
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy of the book was provided via Hachette India as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
I was the kid in school who loved sitting in the history class, when most of the other kids were snoozing, I was soaking in the our past, the decisions that brought our world, our country to the where it is right now.
Fortune’s Soldier by Alex Rutherford is based on the documents that were unearthed in an auction is the fictionalized story of Nicholas Ballantyne – chronicling his journey from the Highlands in Scotland to becoming an officer in the East India Company.
But it also more of a look into the different facades of the man Nicholas Ballantyne was – a soldier, a lover, a spy but most of all, the flawed human being, who ends up with the respect of the reader – his journey is not only eventful, but also shows immense character development, and ends up being one of the major positive aspects of the book.
The plot, though, does end up being a dry at times – which is understandable, considering that it is actually a historical fiction – but it is told in the typical Alex Rutherford way, that even political and war strategies – and ends up being quite fascinating.
It is also a wonderful character development of Nicholas Ballantyne throughout the plot – which is an astounding aspect of the plot – for Nichloas’s journey from the Highlands to a soldier in the East India Company; to a man who is not only respected but also admired for his tenacity.
Fortune’s Soldier is a historical fiction that definitely holds true to its plotting style – and if you have ever been interested in history; then Alex Rutherford’s Fortune Soldier is the perfect pick for the choice.
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December 24, 2018
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Fortune’s Soldier was the first Indian historical fiction that I read since some time. It had been months since I had picked up another book of India at war (and not just the entire world) that I had almost forgotten how good India history felt to me. I absolutely love historical fiction, especially when it is the time before and after India’s Independence or the time of World War II.
The book follows the story of Nicholas Ballantyne, a Classics graduate. He started as a clerk in the English East India Company. A Jacobite by birth, he was a Scottish whose only family, his uncle sent him to India right before the Rebellion so that he could be safe and away from all the horrors of it. As time passed, he rose in his ranks from a clerk to a soldier to a spy and finally, to a saviour. All these phases of him where we saw Nicholas as more than just any man brought about a depth to his character. His actions, his thoughts — all of it helped us understand who exactly is Nicholas Ballantyne.
However, while I read the book, I noticed that the character, though aptly developed, seemed a lot more childish than he was supposed to be. He reminded me of one of those kids who have an attitude of “I can solve anything”. Of course, in this case, he was able to. Nicholas and his relationship with Meena also felt quite strange to me. Was that love at first sight?
What I didn’t like, however, was that the book seemed to be dragging half the time. It was filled with Nicholas’ adventures but it felt just that — adventures, as if there was no specific plotline in the entire book.
This however, doesn’t mean that I disliked the book. It was a good book with an easy writing style. I didn’t have to check the dictionary every now and then. It was engaging too, but it just seemed a little monotonous in the middle is all.
Overall, it was a nice read. I’d recommend it to someone who is just starting with the genre.
Fortune’s Soldier was the first Indian historical fiction that I read since some time. It had been months since I had picked up another book of India at war (and not just the entire world) that I had almost forgotten how good India history felt to me. I absolutely love historical fiction, especially when it is the time before and after India’s Independence or the time of World War II.
The book follows the story of Nicholas Ballantyne, a Classics graduate. He started as a clerk in the English East India Company. A Jacobite by birth, he was a Scottish whose only family, his uncle sent him to India right before the Rebellion so that he could be safe and away from all the horrors of it. As time passed, he rose in his ranks from a clerk to a soldier to a spy and finally, to a saviour. All these phases of him where we saw Nicholas as more than just any man brought about a depth to his character. His actions, his thoughts — all of it helped us understand who exactly is Nicholas Ballantyne.
However, while I read the book, I noticed that the character, though aptly developed, seemed a lot more childish than he was supposed to be. He reminded me of one of those kids who have an attitude of “I can solve anything”. Of course, in this case, he was able to. Nicholas and his relationship with Meena also felt quite strange to me. Was that love at first sight?
What I didn’t like, however, was that the book seemed to be dragging half the time. It was filled with Nicholas’ adventures but it felt just that — adventures, as if there was no specific plotline in the entire book.
This however, doesn’t mean that I disliked the book. It was a good book with an easy writing style. I didn’t have to check the dictionary every now and then. It was engaging too, but it just seemed a little monotonous in the middle is all.
Overall, it was a nice read. I’d recommend it to someone who is just starting with the genre.
December 25, 2018
Fortune’s Soldier begins when Nicholas Ballantyne is sent to Hindustan by his uncle James to work in the East India Company. It was my first time reading about India through a foreigner's perspective and it was quite interesting. The book consists of a lot of accounts on India’s history and legends. It also mentions some Mughal rulers.
I liked how the characters developed throughout the book, especially Nicholas. We see him go through many dangerous situations. Tuhin Singh was another interesting character. The book is quite well-written.
However, this book didn't work for for me. I found it boring and monotonous a lot of the times. I liked the historical aspects but it wasn't thrilling enough to keep me engrossed.
The book is clearly written after a lot of research and I highly appreciate the author's effort.
I recommend this book to fans of historical books.
I liked how the characters developed throughout the book, especially Nicholas. We see him go through many dangerous situations. Tuhin Singh was another interesting character. The book is quite well-written.
However, this book didn't work for for me. I found it boring and monotonous a lot of the times. I liked the historical aspects but it wasn't thrilling enough to keep me engrossed.
The book is clearly written after a lot of research and I highly appreciate the author's effort.
I recommend this book to fans of historical books.
December 24, 2018
If you are looking for some good recommendation for historical fiction, Alex Rutherford would be the perfect one to start with. It’s very clear from the very beginning that the author has done a lot of research for this book – and the writing is proof of that. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Nicholas Ballantyne, the protagonist through whose eyes we see the story, is quite an admirable character. Although he is not really happy that he has basically been shipped by his uncle to India, he accepts this and the journey he then undertakes is one full of immense adventure and danger as well. I think that the character is really well-made – he is the epitome of goodness, and despite the fact that many people might disagree with me, I really liked that the author decided to portray a character who has an innate goodness in his heart. His boldness and daring, as well as his love and his dignity were good additions to his being. The author has made him a well-rounded person that could definitely hook on the reader until the very end.
Tuhin Singh was another character I loved reading about – his sense of friendship and loyalty were treasures and I only regret that he was not given as much appreciation as he might have deserved. The author has also made the character of Robert Clive as an enigmatic persona – despite the truth that we know of his end, the author’s portrayal of this infamous person was such that he really piques the reader’s interest with his enthusiasm and zeal. He was made much likeable.
The plot was also very interesting to me – being an Indian myself, I wanted to see how the author would entwine a fictitious narrative with actual historical events. It was so fast paced that there is never a dull moment. Moreover, there are so many battles fought as well as battles that were referred to, and the subsequent addition of the Historical Note at the end was well-thought and definitely welcomed with open arms by me. The detailing and the descriptions that the author has provided, as such, were delivered in such a writing style, that I as a reader, was never bored. The author has been able to keep me interested until the very end. The writing style is understandable and easy enough for even unseasoned readers to delve into.
Themes of friendship, the corrupting influence of ambition and power, thus leading to corruption; justice, political intricacies etc., also made the story have depth. The author has explored adventure, romance, political struggles, etc., and made an invaluable effect on the story. Religion also plays a significant role throughout the book.
It was an immersive read in its entirety and I enjoyed this book a lot. I rate it a 4/5 stars.
Nicholas Ballantyne, the protagonist through whose eyes we see the story, is quite an admirable character. Although he is not really happy that he has basically been shipped by his uncle to India, he accepts this and the journey he then undertakes is one full of immense adventure and danger as well. I think that the character is really well-made – he is the epitome of goodness, and despite the fact that many people might disagree with me, I really liked that the author decided to portray a character who has an innate goodness in his heart. His boldness and daring, as well as his love and his dignity were good additions to his being. The author has made him a well-rounded person that could definitely hook on the reader until the very end.
Tuhin Singh was another character I loved reading about – his sense of friendship and loyalty were treasures and I only regret that he was not given as much appreciation as he might have deserved. The author has also made the character of Robert Clive as an enigmatic persona – despite the truth that we know of his end, the author’s portrayal of this infamous person was such that he really piques the reader’s interest with his enthusiasm and zeal. He was made much likeable.
The plot was also very interesting to me – being an Indian myself, I wanted to see how the author would entwine a fictitious narrative with actual historical events. It was so fast paced that there is never a dull moment. Moreover, there are so many battles fought as well as battles that were referred to, and the subsequent addition of the Historical Note at the end was well-thought and definitely welcomed with open arms by me. The detailing and the descriptions that the author has provided, as such, were delivered in such a writing style, that I as a reader, was never bored. The author has been able to keep me interested until the very end. The writing style is understandable and easy enough for even unseasoned readers to delve into.
Themes of friendship, the corrupting influence of ambition and power, thus leading to corruption; justice, political intricacies etc., also made the story have depth. The author has explored adventure, romance, political struggles, etc., and made an invaluable effect on the story. Religion also plays a significant role throughout the book.
It was an immersive read in its entirety and I enjoyed this book a lot. I rate it a 4/5 stars.
December 28, 2018
"I mean to grab every opportunity to make my name and fortune. If the chances doesn't come quickly enough, I'll engineer them."
—Robert Clive in Alex Rutherford's'Fortune's Soldier'
.
.
____
.
.
Nicholas Ballantyne, a would be laird of his estate in Scotland travels to Hindustan on the insistence of his uncle. En route he meets the young, ambitious and interprising Robert Clive. Nicholas and Clive's friendship and camaraderie thrives as they together—with their cunning and quickness of thought—go on to battle the French in Madras, leading up to the decisively succesful battle of Plassey against Nawab Shiraj-ud-Daula.
.
.
Rutherford's 'Fortune's Soldier' consists of all the right ingredients that makes an interesting historical fiction. Set in the years when the British East India Company was strengthening it's trading business in India, moving on to fortification of its interest in grabbing more power over the land, politics and people of Hindustan, the book touches upon the nuances of Indian politics between the years leading up to 1757.
.
.
What works for the book, in my opinion is its ability to keep the reader glued to its narrative. The book brings to life historical figures like Robert Clive—displaying a private side of a famous public figure. Beginning with an allusion to the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland, the book goes onto touching both the French versus British conflict in the colony as well as local and regional politics into the plot. Rutherford adds several layers to the plot, while simultaneously keeping the story uncomplicated and believable.
.
.
A well-written book recommended to lovers of historical fiction.
—Robert Clive in Alex Rutherford's'Fortune's Soldier'
.
.
____
.
.
Nicholas Ballantyne, a would be laird of his estate in Scotland travels to Hindustan on the insistence of his uncle. En route he meets the young, ambitious and interprising Robert Clive. Nicholas and Clive's friendship and camaraderie thrives as they together—with their cunning and quickness of thought—go on to battle the French in Madras, leading up to the decisively succesful battle of Plassey against Nawab Shiraj-ud-Daula.
.
.
Rutherford's 'Fortune's Soldier' consists of all the right ingredients that makes an interesting historical fiction. Set in the years when the British East India Company was strengthening it's trading business in India, moving on to fortification of its interest in grabbing more power over the land, politics and people of Hindustan, the book touches upon the nuances of Indian politics between the years leading up to 1757.
.
.
What works for the book, in my opinion is its ability to keep the reader glued to its narrative. The book brings to life historical figures like Robert Clive—displaying a private side of a famous public figure. Beginning with an allusion to the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland, the book goes onto touching both the French versus British conflict in the colony as well as local and regional politics into the plot. Rutherford adds several layers to the plot, while simultaneously keeping the story uncomplicated and believable.
.
.
A well-written book recommended to lovers of historical fiction.
January 1, 2019
Historical fictions have always been a favourite of mine. Hence, when I received the opportunity to participate in the readalong of Fortune's Soldier, I was glad about it. This is the first book I read by Alex Rutherford and stepping into new zones was something that was definitely intimidate me but thankfully, Rutherford didn't disappoint.
Set in the late 18th century, Nicholas Ballantyne travels to India in a ship named "Winchester" and meets Robert Clive along the way. Theirs becomes a close friendship that soon develops into brotherhood and that for me was the highlight of the narrative. The story progresses into the depths of how these two lads joined the East India Company and helped them expand their horizons more, how the Company battled against both the French colonialists as well as the Indian native rulers to gain a hold over the massive powerful country that India was.
Although as an Indian I have had enormous amount of dislike and loathing against the colonialists, however it was a fresh change in perspective to read what and how the expansion and conquering of India was achieved. Through this book, we got a first hand view of the workings of East India Company and how it defeated extremely strong and powerful kings and queens of India.
What I loved about the book was the very appropriate character development and how real each of them seemed. Also for a historical fiction, it was quite fast paced and didn't bore much.
What bothered me was how one-dimensional the story felt and at times it seemed like a young boy's tale of achievements. The battles seemed a tad bit monotonous and lacked perspective from any other point. There was no high or low points in the book and it mostly progressed in a straight line in terms of narrative.
However, if you enjoy yourself a dash of history and coupled with the love of everything old, pick this one up and you won't be disappointed.
Set in the late 18th century, Nicholas Ballantyne travels to India in a ship named "Winchester" and meets Robert Clive along the way. Theirs becomes a close friendship that soon develops into brotherhood and that for me was the highlight of the narrative. The story progresses into the depths of how these two lads joined the East India Company and helped them expand their horizons more, how the Company battled against both the French colonialists as well as the Indian native rulers to gain a hold over the massive powerful country that India was.
Although as an Indian I have had enormous amount of dislike and loathing against the colonialists, however it was a fresh change in perspective to read what and how the expansion and conquering of India was achieved. Through this book, we got a first hand view of the workings of East India Company and how it defeated extremely strong and powerful kings and queens of India.
What I loved about the book was the very appropriate character development and how real each of them seemed. Also for a historical fiction, it was quite fast paced and didn't bore much.
What bothered me was how one-dimensional the story felt and at times it seemed like a young boy's tale of achievements. The battles seemed a tad bit monotonous and lacked perspective from any other point. There was no high or low points in the book and it mostly progressed in a straight line in terms of narrative.
However, if you enjoy yourself a dash of history and coupled with the love of everything old, pick this one up and you won't be disappointed.
June 26, 2019
“Fortune’s Soldier” by Alex Rutherford, Hachette India. Pages 448. Price: Rs 599.
The middle decades of the 18th century were exciting though turbulent times for India. The Mughal Empire that had held the country together for centuries was slowly dissipating; Maratha hordes were sweeping across the country leaving a trail of death and destruction; nawabs and rajas had taken control over smaller kingdoms and provinces; and the European powers, chiefly the French and the British, were beginning to assert themselves. This was a time of upheaval and momentous change.
There could be no better setting for historical fiction, and authors Diana and Michael Preston, who write under the pseudonym of Alex Rutherford, have taken full advantage of it. Inspired by the historical characters and the events of those time, they have composed a riveting, action driven blockbuster which is certain to be as successful as their previous novels set in historical India.
Their earlier work, the six volume “Empire of the Moghul” series, a major work of fiction that sold hundreds of thousands of copies, covered events during two centuries of Mughal rule from Babar to Aurangzeb. One reason for the success of those novels was the meticulous research that went into them.
It is the same attention to detail and historical authenticity that marks their latest novel Fortune’s Soldier. The authors have got every detail right, from the samosas and idlis sold at the bazars in Madras to the intricacies of ethnic and caste variations in India.
The book, written as a straightforward old-style narrative, is an absolute reading pleasure. It hurtles the reader down a trail of action and adventure unadulterated by long soliloquies, philosophising or literary ramblings.
The protagonist is a young Scotsman, Nicholas Ballantyne, the heir of a nobleman of the Scottish Highlands. His uncle, the laird of Glenmire, sends Nicholas away to Hindustan perhaps to shield him from the political intrigues of England and Scotland of that period. The rebel Prince Stuart has planned an uprising against the King of England and France has promised to help. The lairds of the Scottish Highlands too have been obliged to support the rebel cause.
Nicholas learns of all this and his uncle’s involvement in the plot while in India. When he hears of Prince Stuart’s defeat and the confiscation of his uncle’s estate, he is distraught and decides to leave the East India Company’s service and strike out on his own. Fortunately, he is dissuaded from doing so by his friend Robert Clive, a young ambitious man also in the Company’s service who is destined to make history as well as a fortune and an enduring name for himself as the architect of the British Empire in India.
From then begins a series of adventures involving the young Clive and Ballantyne. The two are involved in a series of adventures, skirmishes and narrow escapes while the events in which they are involved in are destined to change forever the history of Hindustan.
Nicholas Ballantyne, the book’s protagonist, is a purely fictional character. But the authors have so beautifully woven his involvement with the historically true actions of empire builder Robert Clive that the events in the book seem as real as actual history.
The result is a masterfully composed work of historical fiction that tells the story of Robert Clive and his role in establishing British rule in India. The perspective chosen is intriguing and transforms boring old history into something new and compelling.
While the destiny of Robert Clive is foretold, that of Ballantyne isn’t. What will happen of the young man? Will he survive in tumultuous Hindustan, especially given Clive’s proclivity to adventure and risk? Will he in the end manage to retrieve his uncle’s lost honour? These and many more questions will constantly assail the reader as the plot unfolds.
To readers not acquainted with the history of India, especially of the mid-18th century, the book will prove educative, not just about politics but about life and times in India of those days. The great strength of the book lies in the combined skills of its two London-based authors.
Diana Preston is an Oxford-trained historian while her husband Michael is a literary scholar who read English in Oxford. Their books marry properly researched historical facts with literary fiction. Fortune’s Soldier therefore is no sloppy piece of writing spun out solely for a good read. It is a work of history too in some ways as it projects a different view of historical events - not as a cold narrative of events but one where emotions, ambitions and human inspirations form part of the picture.
Fortune’s Solider would be of interest to an Indian reader as well because it is not condescending or insensitive about Indian views or sentiments. The rise of Robert Clive is treated as a human rather than an imperial enterprise.
“Our greatest love is India where we’ve spent at least a year of our lives. Our research into the building of the Taj Mahal for our non-fiction book ‘A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time’, led us to explore the early history of the dynasty which built the Taj – the Moghuls,” wrote Diana Preston in their website. This passion for India clearly continues.
Indranil Banerjie
January 2019
The middle decades of the 18th century were exciting though turbulent times for India. The Mughal Empire that had held the country together for centuries was slowly dissipating; Maratha hordes were sweeping across the country leaving a trail of death and destruction; nawabs and rajas had taken control over smaller kingdoms and provinces; and the European powers, chiefly the French and the British, were beginning to assert themselves. This was a time of upheaval and momentous change.
There could be no better setting for historical fiction, and authors Diana and Michael Preston, who write under the pseudonym of Alex Rutherford, have taken full advantage of it. Inspired by the historical characters and the events of those time, they have composed a riveting, action driven blockbuster which is certain to be as successful as their previous novels set in historical India.
Their earlier work, the six volume “Empire of the Moghul” series, a major work of fiction that sold hundreds of thousands of copies, covered events during two centuries of Mughal rule from Babar to Aurangzeb. One reason for the success of those novels was the meticulous research that went into them.
It is the same attention to detail and historical authenticity that marks their latest novel Fortune’s Soldier. The authors have got every detail right, from the samosas and idlis sold at the bazars in Madras to the intricacies of ethnic and caste variations in India.
The book, written as a straightforward old-style narrative, is an absolute reading pleasure. It hurtles the reader down a trail of action and adventure unadulterated by long soliloquies, philosophising or literary ramblings.
The protagonist is a young Scotsman, Nicholas Ballantyne, the heir of a nobleman of the Scottish Highlands. His uncle, the laird of Glenmire, sends Nicholas away to Hindustan perhaps to shield him from the political intrigues of England and Scotland of that period. The rebel Prince Stuart has planned an uprising against the King of England and France has promised to help. The lairds of the Scottish Highlands too have been obliged to support the rebel cause.
Nicholas learns of all this and his uncle’s involvement in the plot while in India. When he hears of Prince Stuart’s defeat and the confiscation of his uncle’s estate, he is distraught and decides to leave the East India Company’s service and strike out on his own. Fortunately, he is dissuaded from doing so by his friend Robert Clive, a young ambitious man also in the Company’s service who is destined to make history as well as a fortune and an enduring name for himself as the architect of the British Empire in India.
From then begins a series of adventures involving the young Clive and Ballantyne. The two are involved in a series of adventures, skirmishes and narrow escapes while the events in which they are involved in are destined to change forever the history of Hindustan.
Nicholas Ballantyne, the book’s protagonist, is a purely fictional character. But the authors have so beautifully woven his involvement with the historically true actions of empire builder Robert Clive that the events in the book seem as real as actual history.
The result is a masterfully composed work of historical fiction that tells the story of Robert Clive and his role in establishing British rule in India. The perspective chosen is intriguing and transforms boring old history into something new and compelling.
While the destiny of Robert Clive is foretold, that of Ballantyne isn’t. What will happen of the young man? Will he survive in tumultuous Hindustan, especially given Clive’s proclivity to adventure and risk? Will he in the end manage to retrieve his uncle’s lost honour? These and many more questions will constantly assail the reader as the plot unfolds.
To readers not acquainted with the history of India, especially of the mid-18th century, the book will prove educative, not just about politics but about life and times in India of those days. The great strength of the book lies in the combined skills of its two London-based authors.
Diana Preston is an Oxford-trained historian while her husband Michael is a literary scholar who read English in Oxford. Their books marry properly researched historical facts with literary fiction. Fortune’s Soldier therefore is no sloppy piece of writing spun out solely for a good read. It is a work of history too in some ways as it projects a different view of historical events - not as a cold narrative of events but one where emotions, ambitions and human inspirations form part of the picture.
Fortune’s Solider would be of interest to an Indian reader as well because it is not condescending or insensitive about Indian views or sentiments. The rise of Robert Clive is treated as a human rather than an imperial enterprise.
“Our greatest love is India where we’ve spent at least a year of our lives. Our research into the building of the Taj Mahal for our non-fiction book ‘A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time’, led us to explore the early history of the dynasty which built the Taj – the Moghuls,” wrote Diana Preston in their website. This passion for India clearly continues.
Indranil Banerjie
January 2019
December 24, 2018
“Success breeds over-confidence. Pride comes before a fall…”
Fortune’s Soldier is a historical-fiction written by Diana Preston and her husband Michael, under the pen name Alex Rutherford.
The story is revolves around Nicholas Ballantyne an employed soldier of the East India Company. Specifically around his character development and adventures in Hindustan.
The Fortune’s Soldier, is throughly researched and that is very much evident in the story where fiction is enmeshed with facts. The political turmoil and the wars are made more intriguing with multi faceted characters. Every character from Nicholas himself to Clive, Tuhin Singh and Rose had an edge and each stood out as their own.
I found the book all over more interesting as I got to read the depiction of some of the major events from the colonial rule from an author duo who are British.
What didn’t work for me was the pace. It’s sometimes more informative and descriptive than needed and can be a tad bit draining.
Overall I would recommend Fortune’s Soldier to fans of historical fiction/non-fiction.
Fortune’s Soldier is a historical-fiction written by Diana Preston and her husband Michael, under the pen name Alex Rutherford.
The story is revolves around Nicholas Ballantyne an employed soldier of the East India Company. Specifically around his character development and adventures in Hindustan.
The Fortune’s Soldier, is throughly researched and that is very much evident in the story where fiction is enmeshed with facts. The political turmoil and the wars are made more intriguing with multi faceted characters. Every character from Nicholas himself to Clive, Tuhin Singh and Rose had an edge and each stood out as their own.
I found the book all over more interesting as I got to read the depiction of some of the major events from the colonial rule from an author duo who are British.
What didn’t work for me was the pace. It’s sometimes more informative and descriptive than needed and can be a tad bit draining.
Overall I would recommend Fortune’s Soldier to fans of historical fiction/non-fiction.
December 22, 2018
Nicholas Ballantyne was meant to enjoy his life in Glenmire, Scotland, but when an unprecedented move on his uncle's part sends him across the world to Hindustan, he becomes deeply involved in the changing political scenario of the nation. As an employee of the Company, Nicholas ventures into the heart of its presidencies in Calcutta and Madras. It is there that he displays the true meaning of loyalty and humility, racing from one battlefield to the next, protecting those he loves and serving the Englishmen who've given him a chance to rebuild the name, Ballantyne.
I enjoy reading historical fictions and this one features my homeland, so of-course I wasn't going to pass it up. Moreover, it promised a great deal of adventure surrounding the operations of the East India Company in the 1700s. That is a subject I'm not very familiar with and so, I couldn't wait to see how Alex Rutherford would combine this fictitious storyline with the recounting of events that actually happened in world history. What impressed me from the very beginning is the authors ability to characterize Nicholas in such a way that he becomes a full-fledged, realistic person, one who begins to surprise you with his strength of character. And I feel that it is this very quality about the writing style that prevented the entire tome from being dull. Even though we read about many battles and war council meetings, I wasn't bored of it (barring the last couple of chapters) because I was fully invested in Nicholas' as the lead.
The writing style is not over the top and neither is it too simple or plain. It doesn't make allusions to any event or occurrence in a way that leaves you perplexed or unable to proceed reading the book without a quick dash to Google. That was another aspect that made me the like the novel. Apart from Nicholas, I enjoyed reading about Tuhin Singh. He is a respectful steward and friend to Nicholas, often shown to be just as (if not more) brave and has strong opinions about the Company's operations in Hindustan. He is not easily fooled or subjugated. I felt that Meena's and Lucia's characters were not explored enough. They could have played a more significant role.
From the beginning, we know that Nicholas is going to be this heroic character, and so it is the stories of Robert Clive and George Braddock that introduce the themes of greed for power, communal rivalry, corruption, betrayal etc. This book also brings to light the opinions of several Mughal rulers towards Hindus. And so, religion is evidently a common symbol throughout. By the time I'd read past page number 350, I was getting worn out by the sheer quantity of battles that are spoken about in this book. That said, I appreciate the ease with which these stories are delivered to us. A majority of this book makes for a very immersive read which will surely have your rapt attention. Nicholas' adventures were thrilling to read about! And so, I'd definitely urge you to give it a try, if you are interested in historical fictions.
Rating - 3.5 out of 5 stars
What do you get out of it? An insightful story about the East India Company's interest in Hindustan and the resultant changing dynamics within the nation.
I enjoy reading historical fictions and this one features my homeland, so of-course I wasn't going to pass it up. Moreover, it promised a great deal of adventure surrounding the operations of the East India Company in the 1700s. That is a subject I'm not very familiar with and so, I couldn't wait to see how Alex Rutherford would combine this fictitious storyline with the recounting of events that actually happened in world history. What impressed me from the very beginning is the authors ability to characterize Nicholas in such a way that he becomes a full-fledged, realistic person, one who begins to surprise you with his strength of character. And I feel that it is this very quality about the writing style that prevented the entire tome from being dull. Even though we read about many battles and war council meetings, I wasn't bored of it (barring the last couple of chapters) because I was fully invested in Nicholas' as the lead.
The writing style is not over the top and neither is it too simple or plain. It doesn't make allusions to any event or occurrence in a way that leaves you perplexed or unable to proceed reading the book without a quick dash to Google. That was another aspect that made me the like the novel. Apart from Nicholas, I enjoyed reading about Tuhin Singh. He is a respectful steward and friend to Nicholas, often shown to be just as (if not more) brave and has strong opinions about the Company's operations in Hindustan. He is not easily fooled or subjugated. I felt that Meena's and Lucia's characters were not explored enough. They could have played a more significant role.
From the beginning, we know that Nicholas is going to be this heroic character, and so it is the stories of Robert Clive and George Braddock that introduce the themes of greed for power, communal rivalry, corruption, betrayal etc. This book also brings to light the opinions of several Mughal rulers towards Hindus. And so, religion is evidently a common symbol throughout. By the time I'd read past page number 350, I was getting worn out by the sheer quantity of battles that are spoken about in this book. That said, I appreciate the ease with which these stories are delivered to us. A majority of this book makes for a very immersive read which will surely have your rapt attention. Nicholas' adventures were thrilling to read about! And so, I'd definitely urge you to give it a try, if you are interested in historical fictions.
Rating - 3.5 out of 5 stars
What do you get out of it? An insightful story about the East India Company's interest in Hindustan and the resultant changing dynamics within the nation.
December 25, 2018
As published on
The Reading Owl
I was beyond excited to be included in the read along and blog tour of this historical fiction by Hachette India and it certainly did not disappoint.
Set in the latter half of the 1700s, it covers an era less talked about in history. While everyone knows that East India Company was powerful and the center using which British expanded in India, there is very less information available on how they stabilized their position in India against the French and other India rulers.
This book follows young Nicholas Ballantyne and Robert Clive as they start as clerks to East India Company and are part of its victory at Plassey against the joint forces of the French and Siraj-ud-Daulah, a battle that fortified British position in India.
Here is what I liked about this book:
Unlike many historical fictions, it is fast-paced. Small chapters keep the readers engaged and flipping the pages.
I liked the conflict that the author has tried to present through the characters of Robert and Nicholas. One is ambitious and self-centered while the other looks more at the humane side of things, including war. But they both had to work in tandem for a victorious stint.
Friendships and loyalties. Tuhin Singh and Nicholas share a friendship, irrespective of their status, which is strong, open, and reliable. While Clive’s trust in Nicholas wavered at some point, these two saw each other through thick and thin.
I loved how Nicholas grew as a character in this book. From a naive youth who could be easily robbed at the Wapping Docks, he became a spy for the company. As he learns more about Hindustan and its rulers, he is able to draw parallels and compare it with the happenings of his homeland. One quote in particular that I liked is:
It would be disappointing if his quest to learn more about Hindustan was only going to teach him that men’s prejudices and suspicions were the same the world over – a dislike and distrust of anyone who differed from themselves in any way.
This book also highlights how the major reason of British wars in India was not just to strengthen their trade routes but also an animosity against French that got sourer especially after 1745.
What I think could be better:
Descriptions of various battles got a little repetitive and obtuse. The fights at Madras, Cuddalore, Arcot were in my opinion similar. British always won and nothing from the perspective of the opposing forces was presented.
Nicholas is shown having empathy for the victims of war but he took no visible steps to discourage after war menaces even though he had the power.
Recommendations:
I would recommend it to all the fans of Historical fiction who would like to know more about this era which is covered seldom in school History books. And unlike text books, it comes with great story narration to make it more interesting.
I was beyond excited to be included in the read along and blog tour of this historical fiction by Hachette India and it certainly did not disappoint.
Set in the latter half of the 1700s, it covers an era less talked about in history. While everyone knows that East India Company was powerful and the center using which British expanded in India, there is very less information available on how they stabilized their position in India against the French and other India rulers.
This book follows young Nicholas Ballantyne and Robert Clive as they start as clerks to East India Company and are part of its victory at Plassey against the joint forces of the French and Siraj-ud-Daulah, a battle that fortified British position in India.
Here is what I liked about this book:
Unlike many historical fictions, it is fast-paced. Small chapters keep the readers engaged and flipping the pages.
I liked the conflict that the author has tried to present through the characters of Robert and Nicholas. One is ambitious and self-centered while the other looks more at the humane side of things, including war. But they both had to work in tandem for a victorious stint.
Friendships and loyalties. Tuhin Singh and Nicholas share a friendship, irrespective of their status, which is strong, open, and reliable. While Clive’s trust in Nicholas wavered at some point, these two saw each other through thick and thin.
I loved how Nicholas grew as a character in this book. From a naive youth who could be easily robbed at the Wapping Docks, he became a spy for the company. As he learns more about Hindustan and its rulers, he is able to draw parallels and compare it with the happenings of his homeland. One quote in particular that I liked is:
It would be disappointing if his quest to learn more about Hindustan was only going to teach him that men’s prejudices and suspicions were the same the world over – a dislike and distrust of anyone who differed from themselves in any way.
This book also highlights how the major reason of British wars in India was not just to strengthen their trade routes but also an animosity against French that got sourer especially after 1745.
What I think could be better:
Descriptions of various battles got a little repetitive and obtuse. The fights at Madras, Cuddalore, Arcot were in my opinion similar. British always won and nothing from the perspective of the opposing forces was presented.
Nicholas is shown having empathy for the victims of war but he took no visible steps to discourage after war menaces even though he had the power.
Recommendations:
I would recommend it to all the fans of Historical fiction who would like to know more about this era which is covered seldom in school History books. And unlike text books, it comes with great story narration to make it more interesting.
December 23, 2018
Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Nicholas Ballantyne was fortuned to live and enjoy his life in his ancestral estate at Glenmire. But very unexpectedly his uncle James Ballantyne sends him to Hindustan to be a writer on the British East India Company. He gets deeply involved in the changing political environment of the nation venturing from Calcutta to Madras, in due course serving and displaying his loyalty to the East India Company, protecting his loved ones, battling one war after another, not losing his humanity. He meets Robert Clive, on board on the Winchester, a ship bound for Hindustan. Over the years, their friendship grows with so many twists and turns. Together they fight many battles side by side and winning all of them.
I loved the detailed description of the events in history. Few characters were fictional but still never seemed out of plot with such a narrative. I remember reading a few of the historical facts during my school days in history books and this read was exactly removing the dust from my memory to recollect what I read years ago back in school books. I got more interested in reading this book because I wanted to know more about the working of East India Company in India in the 1700s. Author has very well incorporated the events sequentially as they happened back then (Yes, I googled them out). The characters are very well developed. As the story beings, Nicholas seems like a weak shy young man, but as the story progress, readers can see the strong aspects of his character. As for Clive, one can know from the beginning that he is a highly ambitious man and hungry for fame and wealth. I also loved the characters Tuhin Singh and Harry Rose. Harry Rose was like a mentor in this new land to Nicholas, and his sudden departure shocked me. Tuhin Singh was a perfect steward, a very faithful friend anyone will need in life. Also, the role of Ramesh Ramachandran, Nicholas's language tutor in Madras, and Hiralal Das, senior clerk in the British East India Company, are well appreciated in helping out Nicholas as his time of need. Meena and Lucia's character are left unexplored.
About the writing, I won't say it's simple. I did have to check some words in the dictionary. The story also gives us the glimpse of few Mughal rulers and then India in their era. I felt the book was full of battles. Though I liked reading the sequence and strategic plans of Nicholas and Clive during each battle, but I could not concentrate much on the detailed explanations of each battle. The adventures of Nicholas kept me curious enough to keep reading this book like I was reading some adventures of Sindbad the sailor.
I will suggest this book to you if you are a true historical fiction lover. Else you will be bored in the first few chapters of the book.
January 22, 2019
* 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a gorgeous copy of this book from Hachette India as part of the Blog and Social Media Tour and Read-along. This did not affect my thoughts, experience or review in any way.
This was my first time being part of a social media tour and read-along, so I was very excited to read this book and learn about a part of my history that’s always interested me. It’s a historical fiction novel inspired by true events – and my first read from this author – what better way to learn a bit of actual history than in the form of a story instead of a textbook’s dry chapters?!
I was expecting this to be fast-paced, packed with action, war politics and a perfect amalgamation of fiction and non-fiction. It came close, but not quite.
This is a very character-driven story in the sense that there was no big bad ‘evil’ to fight at the end that the whole journey was in preparation for, as is the case with most of my usual reads. It was interesting to see Hindustan and the similarities and differences in the lives of people then as compared to now and Scotland/England as well. We follow Nicholas as he adjusts to life as a ‘writer’ in the East India Company – a ‘traitor’ to the English throne when his beloved uncle’s role in the Uprising is revealed – and then rises through the ranks through his sheer bravery, intelligence, and hard work.
We also get glimpses of Robert Clive’s progress up the Company ladder from soldier to a commander and how this changes him and his friendship with Nicholas. There isn’t really a plot with a beginning or end, but I’d say it’s the story of a life lived with loyalty, hope and the best intentions at heart.
The writing was easy to read for the most part, but the long sentences describing every little thing in minute detail messed with my concentration and made it hard for me to visualize the narrative. Because of the lengthy descriptions, the scenes seemed to drag on and lost some of the punch.
Nicholas was a wonderful character from his back story to his actions throughout and he played many roles over time – a brave, intelligent and strong soldier and spy, a loyal friend, and kind human, a loving father – just a very smart man, always trying to do the right thing. I enjoyed seeing things through his straightforward perspective.
Clive‘s ambition, arrogance, and single-mindedness could have led him on a very different path had Nicholas not been there to ground him. It wasn’t a journey of how these characters grew over the arc of the story, but about who they were and how they lived from the beginning to the end at a time when there was so much rift between Hindustan, England, France, and Scotland, and among the many rulers and Nawabs within Hindustan itself.
It was a nice change from the books or genres I usually go for. I didn’t think too much about reality or fiction. I just wanted to know what’s going to happen in this story. Had it been a shorter read, with less detailed descriptions, I would have enjoyed it more despite there not being any extreme highs or lows. There were intense situations – the characters got into some sticky spots – but it didn’t keep me glued to the edge of my seat because of the average pace with too many details and information packed in. I feel it could have been written better for more of an impact.
I would recommend it to previous fans of Alex Rutherford and any lovers of Indian history who are somewhat familiar with this time period or wish to know more about the political atmosphere and daily lives of the people at the time.
Disclaimer: I received a gorgeous copy of this book from Hachette India as part of the Blog and Social Media Tour and Read-along. This did not affect my thoughts, experience or review in any way.
This was my first time being part of a social media tour and read-along, so I was very excited to read this book and learn about a part of my history that’s always interested me. It’s a historical fiction novel inspired by true events – and my first read from this author – what better way to learn a bit of actual history than in the form of a story instead of a textbook’s dry chapters?!
I was expecting this to be fast-paced, packed with action, war politics and a perfect amalgamation of fiction and non-fiction. It came close, but not quite.
This is a very character-driven story in the sense that there was no big bad ‘evil’ to fight at the end that the whole journey was in preparation for, as is the case with most of my usual reads. It was interesting to see Hindustan and the similarities and differences in the lives of people then as compared to now and Scotland/England as well. We follow Nicholas as he adjusts to life as a ‘writer’ in the East India Company – a ‘traitor’ to the English throne when his beloved uncle’s role in the Uprising is revealed – and then rises through the ranks through his sheer bravery, intelligence, and hard work.
We also get glimpses of Robert Clive’s progress up the Company ladder from soldier to a commander and how this changes him and his friendship with Nicholas. There isn’t really a plot with a beginning or end, but I’d say it’s the story of a life lived with loyalty, hope and the best intentions at heart.
The writing was easy to read for the most part, but the long sentences describing every little thing in minute detail messed with my concentration and made it hard for me to visualize the narrative. Because of the lengthy descriptions, the scenes seemed to drag on and lost some of the punch.
Nicholas was a wonderful character from his back story to his actions throughout and he played many roles over time – a brave, intelligent and strong soldier and spy, a loyal friend, and kind human, a loving father – just a very smart man, always trying to do the right thing. I enjoyed seeing things through his straightforward perspective.
Clive‘s ambition, arrogance, and single-mindedness could have led him on a very different path had Nicholas not been there to ground him. It wasn’t a journey of how these characters grew over the arc of the story, but about who they were and how they lived from the beginning to the end at a time when there was so much rift between Hindustan, England, France, and Scotland, and among the many rulers and Nawabs within Hindustan itself.
It was a nice change from the books or genres I usually go for. I didn’t think too much about reality or fiction. I just wanted to know what’s going to happen in this story. Had it been a shorter read, with less detailed descriptions, I would have enjoyed it more despite there not being any extreme highs or lows. There were intense situations – the characters got into some sticky spots – but it didn’t keep me glued to the edge of my seat because of the average pace with too many details and information packed in. I feel it could have been written better for more of an impact.
I would recommend it to previous fans of Alex Rutherford and any lovers of Indian history who are somewhat familiar with this time period or wish to know more about the political atmosphere and daily lives of the people at the time.
December 21, 2018
Fortune’s Soldier
Alex Rutherford
Hachette India
2018, Pp-416.
“Power tends to corrupt
And absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Fortune’s Soldier is a historical fiction and quite apt at it!
The story takes us to 1744. East India company is slowly spreading itself over the country and the British are taking control. Enters Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman dreaming of a life as laird of his ancestral Estate, finds himself quite unexpectedly on the Winchester, a ship bound for Hindustan, seeking to begin a new life as a ‘writer’ on the rolls of the British East India Company. On board, he meets the spirited and mercurial Robert Clive, determined – at whatever cost – to make a fortune in a land of opportunity.
Now, my thoughts on the book, things that you should know-
* It says it’s a historical fiction and it proves itself good
* Everything from plot to the language is well crafted and authentic. The author has done his research and the efforts speak for themselves.
* The additions to the list of characters are done effectively and thankfully so. Usually the changes or twists brought in are unnecessary or incoherent, which is not the case here.
Howeverrr…
It was a tad bit overwhelming for me. The narrative sometimes felt too informative and I would just feel like stopping and taking a rest, to get some clarity.
The idea, no doubt, has been brilliantly manifested, but the retelling could have been made a little more interesting. Could have been.
Otherwise, the pages contain a full and energetic storyline, events from history brought back to life and quite remarkably so.
I would like to give it a 3.5 on 5, and would recommend only those who appreciate the genre. The reader won’t do justice to the book with his/her disinterest.
.
.
.
#fortunessoldier #readalongannouncement #blogtour #bookstagramindia #unitedbookstagram #historical #history #historicalfiction #eastindiacompany #historyofindia #newbook #igreads #bookshelf #currentlyreading #hachetteindia #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #alexrutherford #readdreamrepeat
Alex Rutherford
Hachette India
2018, Pp-416.
“Power tends to corrupt
And absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Fortune’s Soldier is a historical fiction and quite apt at it!
The story takes us to 1744. East India company is slowly spreading itself over the country and the British are taking control. Enters Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman dreaming of a life as laird of his ancestral Estate, finds himself quite unexpectedly on the Winchester, a ship bound for Hindustan, seeking to begin a new life as a ‘writer’ on the rolls of the British East India Company. On board, he meets the spirited and mercurial Robert Clive, determined – at whatever cost – to make a fortune in a land of opportunity.
Now, my thoughts on the book, things that you should know-
* It says it’s a historical fiction and it proves itself good
* Everything from plot to the language is well crafted and authentic. The author has done his research and the efforts speak for themselves.
* The additions to the list of characters are done effectively and thankfully so. Usually the changes or twists brought in are unnecessary or incoherent, which is not the case here.
Howeverrr…
It was a tad bit overwhelming for me. The narrative sometimes felt too informative and I would just feel like stopping and taking a rest, to get some clarity.
The idea, no doubt, has been brilliantly manifested, but the retelling could have been made a little more interesting. Could have been.
Otherwise, the pages contain a full and energetic storyline, events from history brought back to life and quite remarkably so.
I would like to give it a 3.5 on 5, and would recommend only those who appreciate the genre. The reader won’t do justice to the book with his/her disinterest.
.
.
.
#fortunessoldier #readalongannouncement #blogtour #bookstagramindia #unitedbookstagram #historical #history #historicalfiction #eastindiacompany #historyofindia #newbook #igreads #bookshelf #currentlyreading #hachetteindia #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #alexrutherford #readdreamrepeat
August 30, 2022
I have enjoyed reading historical fiction for years but, as I get older, have become wary of the tosh that is quite prevalent in the genre - and I've read some! - so am more inclined to stick to the authors I know and love and, where necessary re-read favourites. I really should have stuck to that rule rather than read this because it is absolute tosh, but it was in a discount book shop and looked interesting ...
On the (only) plus side it was an okay read which didn't require much concentration whilst travelling. The historical notes at the back of the book suggest the author knows her stuff, but there were some glaring errors, which put me off, although I still carried on with it just to see what happens (and to play more 'spot the anomalies') - although I suppose the result of the battle of Plassey was never in doubt! Actually, the opening of the book got me off to a bad start: "an antiquarian book dealer noticed a large metal box among the lots at an auction house...". Sound familiar? Yes, that's the premise of the infinitely superior Flashman papers, first published in 1969. Anyway, things that jarred for me were: the descriptions of the life of the EIC and their army seemed to be from later ages, with talk of memsahibs, polo, pig sticking and cigars on the verandah and the EIC didn't have cavalry on its establishment until much later in the century; who on earth are the 'Ninth King's Lancers'? And in this era, French soldiers didn't all wear blue and I'm sure there were no French lancers in India, oh, and I don't think cholera put in an appearance in India until 1817 ...! You get the idea.
There's no doubt that the main character - Nicholas Ballantyne - is a worthy chap. He's kind to women, children and animals; he speaks various local languages and is respectful and sympathetic to the local people and appears not to have a racist bone in his body; he is loyal, honourable and, although a diligent employee of the EIC, has rather missed the point of their immoral profiteering and doesn't even want to enrich himself - just settle in a little house in the Himalayas. In summary, he's as dull as ditchwater and I certainly wouldn't want to spend any more time with him - be warned, the epilogue suggests he returns to Company service, so a sequel may be in the offing. Give me a reprehensible 'Flashy' any day, or even the thuggish Richard Sharpe. Ballantyne does have a flaw, though, and that is his loyal friendship with Robert Clive - yes, Lord Vulture himself - who, whilst his ambition and, to a lesser degree, his avarice are alluded to, gets rather an easy ride from the author. There's certainly no indication of his apparent dislike of India and its inhabitants. Unpleasant chap that he was, I can't help thinking that an historical novel from Clive's viewpoint would be a more entertaining read.
On the (only) plus side it was an okay read which didn't require much concentration whilst travelling. The historical notes at the back of the book suggest the author knows her stuff, but there were some glaring errors, which put me off, although I still carried on with it just to see what happens (and to play more 'spot the anomalies') - although I suppose the result of the battle of Plassey was never in doubt! Actually, the opening of the book got me off to a bad start: "an antiquarian book dealer noticed a large metal box among the lots at an auction house...". Sound familiar? Yes, that's the premise of the infinitely superior Flashman papers, first published in 1969. Anyway, things that jarred for me were: the descriptions of the life of the EIC and their army seemed to be from later ages, with talk of memsahibs, polo, pig sticking and cigars on the verandah and the EIC didn't have cavalry on its establishment until much later in the century; who on earth are the 'Ninth King's Lancers'? And in this era, French soldiers didn't all wear blue and I'm sure there were no French lancers in India, oh, and I don't think cholera put in an appearance in India until 1817 ...! You get the idea.
There's no doubt that the main character - Nicholas Ballantyne - is a worthy chap. He's kind to women, children and animals; he speaks various local languages and is respectful and sympathetic to the local people and appears not to have a racist bone in his body; he is loyal, honourable and, although a diligent employee of the EIC, has rather missed the point of their immoral profiteering and doesn't even want to enrich himself - just settle in a little house in the Himalayas. In summary, he's as dull as ditchwater and I certainly wouldn't want to spend any more time with him - be warned, the epilogue suggests he returns to Company service, so a sequel may be in the offing. Give me a reprehensible 'Flashy' any day, or even the thuggish Richard Sharpe. Ballantyne does have a flaw, though, and that is his loyal friendship with Robert Clive - yes, Lord Vulture himself - who, whilst his ambition and, to a lesser degree, his avarice are alluded to, gets rather an easy ride from the author. There's certainly no indication of his apparent dislike of India and its inhabitants. Unpleasant chap that he was, I can't help thinking that an historical novel from Clive's viewpoint would be a more entertaining read.
December 27, 2018
ack from his studies, Nicholas Ballantyne, the future Laird of Glenmire is all set to blend into the life at Scotland, when certain unforeseen circumstances have him aboard Winchester, a ship en route Hindustan. Upon the insistence of his uncle James Ballantyne, he is supposed to begin a new life as a writer with the British East India Company. During the journey he befriends Robert Clive, a young lad determined to make a fortune in Hindustan. As years pass by, they steadily climb up the power ladder and devices plans together to defeat their rivals -the French. Will their friendship withstand the tests of time? Will they rise from the numerous battles against the French?
Alex Rutherford is known for his Empire of the Moghul Series, based on the powerful Moghul dynasty in India. A highly-praised series (that I haven’t read), when Fortune’s Soldier released, my expectations were high. Although the story had a slow start, it quickly picked up the pace. Rutherford has done a great job in portraying the events of mid-eighteenth century India. I immediately liked Nicholas’s character – brave, strategic and a man of principles. He is often seen to be in conflict with Clive’s opposing nature, whether it is to loot after a battle or to strive for power. The relationship between Ballantyne and Clive has also been portrayed well.
Rutherford has vividly portrayed each battle- I could imagine each scene in my head like it was happening right in front of me. However, in the second half, the story got so monotonous that I had a hard time finishing the book. Even all the battles were pretty much the same. The story did not have much to offer, with even the climax being ordinary.
Fortune’s Soldier by Alex Rutherford brings alive the beginning of the British Empire in India. An interesting fact that I came across while reading about the author is that Alex Rutherford is the pen name of a writer couple, Diana Preston and Michael Preston (How cool is that! ). If you are a fan of historical fiction, you may like the book. Though it had a promising start, the book failed to impress against my expectations.
Alex Rutherford is known for his Empire of the Moghul Series, based on the powerful Moghul dynasty in India. A highly-praised series (that I haven’t read), when Fortune’s Soldier released, my expectations were high. Although the story had a slow start, it quickly picked up the pace. Rutherford has done a great job in portraying the events of mid-eighteenth century India. I immediately liked Nicholas’s character – brave, strategic and a man of principles. He is often seen to be in conflict with Clive’s opposing nature, whether it is to loot after a battle or to strive for power. The relationship between Ballantyne and Clive has also been portrayed well.
Rutherford has vividly portrayed each battle- I could imagine each scene in my head like it was happening right in front of me. However, in the second half, the story got so monotonous that I had a hard time finishing the book. Even all the battles were pretty much the same. The story did not have much to offer, with even the climax being ordinary.
Fortune’s Soldier by Alex Rutherford brings alive the beginning of the British Empire in India. An interesting fact that I came across while reading about the author is that Alex Rutherford is the pen name of a writer couple, Diana Preston and Michael Preston (How cool is that! ). If you are a fan of historical fiction, you may like the book. Though it had a promising start, the book failed to impress against my expectations.
December 24, 2018
Fortune’s Soldier by Alex Rutherford is a story of Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman dreaming of a life as laird of his ancestral estate and
Robert Clive. The book is divided into five parts, each one giving insights of war. The backdrop of Bengal and Madras gave insights into Nawabs too.
Vidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewerVidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewer, Mumbai book blog, bloggerVidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewerVidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewer, Mumbai book blog, blogger
The plot of the story is interesting full of twists and turns. It has thriller, action and lots of Drama which keeps the reader Invested in. One can relate to the story from the very first page. The dialogues keep the reader hooked throughout.
The Narration of the story is Apt. The language used by the author is simple and Lucid. The writing style of the author is gripping and engaging. The Pace and the flow of the story is slow and a bit heavy.
Though there are too many unnecessary details which makes it a bit tedious. It’s a Heavy read with many characters. At times one can get confused with the names and the event. I loved the way the author sequenced each and every event.
The character development done by the author is commendable. Themes like Drama, suspense, romance, humour, thriller are used by the author which makes it more interesting.
Overall, It’s a book with an interesting plot, crisp narration, and engaging writing style. A Heavy Read.
If you like reading History, Do not skip this book.
Robert Clive. The book is divided into five parts, each one giving insights of war. The backdrop of Bengal and Madras gave insights into Nawabs too.
Vidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewerVidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewer, Mumbai book blog, bloggerVidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewerVidhya Thakkar- Indian blogger, Mumbai blogger, book blogger, Book blogger Mumbai, Book blogger India, lifestyle blogger, product reviewer, Mumbai book blog, blogger
The plot of the story is interesting full of twists and turns. It has thriller, action and lots of Drama which keeps the reader Invested in. One can relate to the story from the very first page. The dialogues keep the reader hooked throughout.
The Narration of the story is Apt. The language used by the author is simple and Lucid. The writing style of the author is gripping and engaging. The Pace and the flow of the story is slow and a bit heavy.
Though there are too many unnecessary details which makes it a bit tedious. It’s a Heavy read with many characters. At times one can get confused with the names and the event. I loved the way the author sequenced each and every event.
The character development done by the author is commendable. Themes like Drama, suspense, romance, humour, thriller are used by the author which makes it more interesting.
Overall, It’s a book with an interesting plot, crisp narration, and engaging writing style. A Heavy Read.
If you like reading History, Do not skip this book.
January 28, 2021
I cannot abuse this book enough. It's crap. It is time I will never get back having wasted it on some of the tritest, most vapid, most eye-rolling writing I have had the misfortune to have read. I came to this sorry state in my life having been an avid consumer of Rutherford's Empire of the Mogul series, which, while being not particularly well-written, at least managed to hold and tell a story. This piece of rotten offal doesn't even possess that.
This book is little more than a banal account of a maverick cavalier who prances about a romanticised Hindustan slashing his dirk at all Company enemies while upholding the virtue of a true Englishman. Something of a paradox? No kidding. Nicholas Ballantyne is boring and straitlaced as fuck and Robert Clive (yes the very same Clive of India fame) is painted out to be a braggadocious bounty hunter. Together, these two wannabes go off on highly animated campaigns where they trounce the enemy again and again. Remarkable. Imagine 450 pages of the same bloody drivel of men jumping on horses, hiding behind rocks, wiping their sweaty brows with their neckcloths (the bloody tropics), aiming and firing their muskets, and then rejoicing with tankards of ale as the glorious day comes to a close. Again. And again. And yet again.
It. Is. So. Boring. Despite it being the Hardy Boys on coke, the book is colossally dull. You can read of a raid and swear to yourself you read the same thing about 40 pages ago. You probably did. It's like Groundhog Day. Fortune's Soldier could have been written by a 14-year old and I rather wish it had been. It might have been better.
This book is little more than a banal account of a maverick cavalier who prances about a romanticised Hindustan slashing his dirk at all Company enemies while upholding the virtue of a true Englishman. Something of a paradox? No kidding. Nicholas Ballantyne is boring and straitlaced as fuck and Robert Clive (yes the very same Clive of India fame) is painted out to be a braggadocious bounty hunter. Together, these two wannabes go off on highly animated campaigns where they trounce the enemy again and again. Remarkable. Imagine 450 pages of the same bloody drivel of men jumping on horses, hiding behind rocks, wiping their sweaty brows with their neckcloths (the bloody tropics), aiming and firing their muskets, and then rejoicing with tankards of ale as the glorious day comes to a close. Again. And again. And yet again.
It. Is. So. Boring. Despite it being the Hardy Boys on coke, the book is colossally dull. You can read of a raid and swear to yourself you read the same thing about 40 pages ago. You probably did. It's like Groundhog Day. Fortune's Soldier could have been written by a 14-year old and I rather wish it had been. It might have been better.
January 5, 2023
Nicholas Ballantyne is sent off to India and a position as a junior with the East India Company. He is unaware of the troubles brewing in his Scottish home and reluctantly sets sail on the Winchester. On board, he meets Robert Clive, an ambitious young Englishman and a Braddock who thinks himself above everyone else. So their lives set off and Clive and Nicholas become friends as the adventures come quickly upon one another. The book then is about adventure, love, and intrigue with a good balance between factual characters like Clive and fictional ones like Nicholas. The characters grow on the reader as the story proceeds and it is difficult to put down.
Of curse many may find tales of the corruption and greed of the Company and their treatment of the indigenous people distasteful, however, it is an undeniable chapter in the life of the British Empire. I am sure there were many young men like Nicholas who made the same journey.
A very good story. 4 stars.
Of curse many may find tales of the corruption and greed of the Company and their treatment of the indigenous people distasteful, however, it is an undeniable chapter in the life of the British Empire. I am sure there were many young men like Nicholas who made the same journey.
A very good story. 4 stars.
December 25, 2019
Having read the entire Empire of the Moghuls series, I had big expectations from this book which is set in the initial times of the British East India Company in Hindustan. I was eager to know about Robert Clive, who played a major role in consolidating the Company's establishment amidst competition from the French. I was a bit disappointed that the narrative did not entirely follow Clive in his exploits, instead focussing on a fictional character named Nicholas Ballantyne. And, the names of some of the Indian characters and places do not seem correct for the setting. However, the book has all the major historical facts right, and is quite engagingly written. I would rate it 3.5 stars out of 5.
May 18, 2022
Historically on point with set up. Was more invested in the Scottish rebellion than the Carnatic wars so slightly disappointed. Handled the big events well but would have liked if the small character moments were not painted in such broad strokes
December 23, 2018
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre and to say this book about my own country's history just made it more emotionally attaching.
As the blurb says, this book is about Nicholas and his journey from Scotland to India due to his Uncle's wish and order, he saw things closing about wars and their thruth, East Indian Company.
I know a little about history and East Indian Company so it was hell of a ride for me. I enjoyed each and every aspect of this book. Nicholas character was not over too the top yet not simple too. He was a character of his own. There are of course many other characters in this book which play all significant roles.
As for the writing style, I found it alright. It was again not over the top and not simple too. But I was hoping it to be something more. Maybe I had high expectations.
The story paced fastly and I really liked that. It told only things that were important and also described them accordingly. You can find at the start and at the end of the book some key points and character description that would really help you to understand the plot.
I would highly recommend this book if you're a lover of India's history as it does give an insightful of that and of course if you're a historical fiction lover.
As the blurb says, this book is about Nicholas and his journey from Scotland to India due to his Uncle's wish and order, he saw things closing about wars and their thruth, East Indian Company.
I know a little about history and East Indian Company so it was hell of a ride for me. I enjoyed each and every aspect of this book. Nicholas character was not over too the top yet not simple too. He was a character of his own. There are of course many other characters in this book which play all significant roles.
As for the writing style, I found it alright. It was again not over the top and not simple too. But I was hoping it to be something more. Maybe I had high expectations.
The story paced fastly and I really liked that. It told only things that were important and also described them accordingly. You can find at the start and at the end of the book some key points and character description that would really help you to understand the plot.
I would highly recommend this book if you're a lover of India's history as it does give an insightful of that and of course if you're a historical fiction lover.
December 9, 2020
স্কটল্যান্ড থেকে নিকোলাস ব্যালেনটাইন নামে এক জুবক একদিন পা রাখে কলকাতায়। সে জেনেছিল তার এক উত্তরপুরুষ একদিন এসেছিলেন মোগল ভারতে। নিয়তির কারনে সে রয়ে গিয়েছিল এই ভারতেই। ব্যালেনটাইন তখনও জানত না তাকেও এই হিন্দুস্তানেই থেকে যেতে হবে বাকি জীবন।
থাকতে হয়ত তাকে হত না যদি না অ্যালেক্স রাদারফোর্ডের মাথায় ভারতকে কেন্দ্র করে আরেকটা উপন্যাস লেখার চিন্তা আসত। অষ্টাদশ শতাব্দীর মধ্যবর্তী সময়ের পটভূমিতে ব্রিটিশ ইস্ট ইন্ডিয়া কোম্পানির বানিজ্য আর তৎকালীন ভারতের উপকূলীয় অঞ্চলের রাজনীতি নিয়ে উপন্যাসটা ভালোই সাজিয়েছে প্রেস্টন দম্পতি। ‘এম্পায়ার অফ দ্য মোগল’ সিরিজখ্যাত এই দম্পতি তাদের স্বভাবসুলভ ভাবে এই উপন্যাসেও সময়কে ফুটিয়ে তুলেছেন এবং সেই সঙ্গে রয়েছে চমৎকার ডিটেইলিং এর কাজ।
নিকোলাস ব্যালেনটাইন চরিত্রকে সৃষ্টি করে ঐতিহাসিক উপন্যাসের নাটকীয়তা ধরে রেখে পাশাপাশি ইতিহাসের গতিপথ যেভাবে তুলে ধরা হয়েছে, এই কৌশল আমাদের শেখা উচিৎ। তবে শেষে পলাশী টেনে না আনলেও চলত কিংবা সে ক্ষেত্রে পলাশীকে আরও সময় দেওয়া সম্ভব ছিল।
থাকতে হয়ত তাকে হত না যদি না অ্যালেক্স রাদারফোর্ডের মাথায় ভারতকে কেন্দ্র করে আরেকটা উপন্যাস লেখার চিন্তা আসত। অষ্টাদশ শতাব্দীর মধ্যবর্তী সময়ের পটভূমিতে ব্রিটিশ ইস্ট ইন্ডিয়া কোম্পানির বানিজ্য আর তৎকালীন ভারতের উপকূলীয় অঞ্চলের রাজনীতি নিয়ে উপন্যাসটা ভালোই সাজিয়েছে প্রেস্টন দম্পতি। ‘এম্পায়ার অফ দ্য মোগল’ সিরিজখ্যাত এই দম্পতি তাদের স্বভাবসুলভ ভাবে এই উপন্যাসেও সময়কে ফুটিয়ে তুলেছেন এবং সেই সঙ্গে রয়েছে চমৎকার ডিটেইলিং এর কাজ।
নিকোলাস ব্যালেনটাইন চরিত্রকে সৃষ্টি করে ঐতিহাসিক উপন্যাসের নাটকীয়তা ধরে রেখে পাশাপাশি ইতিহাসের গতিপথ যেভাবে তুলে ধরা হয়েছে, এই কৌশল আমাদের শেখা উচিৎ। তবে শেষে পলাশী টেনে না আনলেও চলত কিংবা সে ক্ষেত্রে পলাশীকে আরও সময় দেওয়া সম্ভব ছিল।
January 22, 2019
My Review : First things first, I was hyperventilating when HACHETTE INDIA, offered me a chance to review this book, being a history buff that I'm.
And I was every bit blown away by this brilliantly crafted piece of fiction. Starting, from the fact that the author has gone through a lot of research and work in writing the story and the development of characters throughout the course of the book, everything was a thumbs up for me.
The story starts with Nicholas Ballantyne, leaving for a job in the East India Company with its base in Fort William, the then Calcutta under the influence of his uncle and moves forward with the entry of Robert Clive,often considered as the villain of the Plassey.
The characters are what impressed me the most in this Rutherford novel. They are layered and with their own sharp opinions. The chord of friendship that strikes between Nicholas and Clive, during there journey to India, goes through many ups and downs and many differences but the fact that both of them respected each other's decisions made them, even more real.
Tuhin Singh, the servant/friend of Nicholas was my favorite of the bunch. But at times, I felt kind of insecure/underwhelming,that even after he does so much for the British duo he isnt extolled at any part of the story.
The story for me was rather a way of glorifying the infamous British Governor General Robert Clive by sharing the weight of the conspiracies and events, that led to his fame with our protagonist Nicholas Ballantyne.
The story was crisp, and unlike other historical fictions, FORTUNE’S SOLDIER was fast paced with the adequate amount of details and references to spice the story up.
Recommended for everyone or people who want to start reading Historical Fiction.
Rating : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐.2 /5
My Review : First things first, I was hyperventilating when HACHETTE INDIA, offered me a chance to review this book, being a history buff that I'm.
And I was every bit blown away by this brilliantly crafted piece of fiction. Starting, from the fact that the author has gone through a lot of research and work in writing the story and the development of characters throughout the course of the book, everything was a thumbs up for me.
The story starts with Nicholas Ballantyne, leaving for a job in the East India Company with its base in Fort William, the then Calcutta under the influence of his uncle and moves forward with the entry of Robert Clive,often considered as the villain of the Plassey.
The characters are what impressed me the most in this Rutherford novel. They are layered and with their own sharp opinions. The chord of friendship that strikes between Nicholas and Clive, during there journey to India, goes through many ups and downs and many differences but the fact that both of them respected each other's decisions made them, even more real.
Tuhin Singh, the servant/friend of Nicholas was my favorite of the bunch. But at times, I felt kind of insecure/underwhelming,that even after he does so much for the British duo he isnt extolled at any part of the story.
The story for me was rather a way of glorifying the infamous British Governor General Robert Clive by sharing the weight of the conspiracies and events, that led to his fame with our protagonist Nicholas Ballantyne.
The story was crisp, and unlike other historical fictions, FORTUNE’S SOLDIER was fast paced with the adequate amount of details and references to spice the story up.
Recommended for everyone or people who want to start reading Historical Fiction.
Rating : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐.2 /5
And I was every bit blown away by this brilliantly crafted piece of fiction. Starting, from the fact that the author has gone through a lot of research and work in writing the story and the development of characters throughout the course of the book, everything was a thumbs up for me.
The story starts with Nicholas Ballantyne, leaving for a job in the East India Company with its base in Fort William, the then Calcutta under the influence of his uncle and moves forward with the entry of Robert Clive,often considered as the villain of the Plassey.
The characters are what impressed me the most in this Rutherford novel. They are layered and with their own sharp opinions. The chord of friendship that strikes between Nicholas and Clive, during there journey to India, goes through many ups and downs and many differences but the fact that both of them respected each other's decisions made them, even more real.
Tuhin Singh, the servant/friend of Nicholas was my favorite of the bunch. But at times, I felt kind of insecure/underwhelming,that even after he does so much for the British duo he isnt extolled at any part of the story.
The story for me was rather a way of glorifying the infamous British Governor General Robert Clive by sharing the weight of the conspiracies and events, that led to his fame with our protagonist Nicholas Ballantyne.
The story was crisp, and unlike other historical fictions, FORTUNE’S SOLDIER was fast paced with the adequate amount of details and references to spice the story up.
Recommended for everyone or people who want to start reading Historical Fiction.
Rating : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐.2 /5
My Review : First things first, I was hyperventilating when HACHETTE INDIA, offered me a chance to review this book, being a history buff that I'm.
And I was every bit blown away by this brilliantly crafted piece of fiction. Starting, from the fact that the author has gone through a lot of research and work in writing the story and the development of characters throughout the course of the book, everything was a thumbs up for me.
The story starts with Nicholas Ballantyne, leaving for a job in the East India Company with its base in Fort William, the then Calcutta under the influence of his uncle and moves forward with the entry of Robert Clive,often considered as the villain of the Plassey.
The characters are what impressed me the most in this Rutherford novel. They are layered and with their own sharp opinions. The chord of friendship that strikes between Nicholas and Clive, during there journey to India, goes through many ups and downs and many differences but the fact that both of them respected each other's decisions made them, even more real.
Tuhin Singh, the servant/friend of Nicholas was my favorite of the bunch. But at times, I felt kind of insecure/underwhelming,that even after he does so much for the British duo he isnt extolled at any part of the story.
The story for me was rather a way of glorifying the infamous British Governor General Robert Clive by sharing the weight of the conspiracies and events, that led to his fame with our protagonist Nicholas Ballantyne.
The story was crisp, and unlike other historical fictions, FORTUNE’S SOLDIER was fast paced with the adequate amount of details and references to spice the story up.
Recommended for everyone or people who want to start reading Historical Fiction.
Rating : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐.2 /5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2018
Fortune’s soldier by Alex Rutherford follows the journey of Nicholas Ballantyne, a young Scotsman. The story starts with Nicholas being shipped off to Hindustan to work for the East India Company. On his journey, he befriends Robert Clive, a friendship which plays a pivotal role in Nicholas’ life. Nicholas plays a number of roles from a friend to a lover, from a translator to a soldier and a spy but the one thing that stays constant in all of his roles is his kindness. His character development is my favourite part of the book. I adored and respected his character throughout the book for his innate kindness. Another character that stands out in the book is Robert Clive, the man who played an important role in establishment of the British rule in India. Robert Clive’s character, despite knowing what actually happened in reality, is quite fascinating. The conflict that has been represented through Nicholas and Robert’s friendship was quite interesting.
Another favourite character of mine from the book is none other than Tuhin Singh. He is loyal and trustworthy, and his sense of friendship is something we could all learn from. I enjoyed reading how the friendship between Nicholas and Tuhin Singh developed and shaped into something strong and reliable. Although Tuhin Singh did not get a lot of character growth and could have been given some more time, he is, nonetheless, one of my favourite characters in the book. Apart from these characters, Meena and Lucia’s characters had a lot of potential and could have been explored more.
Alex Rutherford’s writing is vivid and illustrative, and captures you fully. I loved the description of the landscapes especially when Nicholas first reaches Calcutta. It was beautiful. I loved reading about my own country’s past from the eyes of a foreigner. It made me proud to be a part of such a rich heritage. I have always loved reading about India’s history and the battles that were fought in the past which give us an insight into people’s lives during those times. It is striking how much has changed post British rule and independence in India. This book enriched me with knowledge about the Hindustan before British rule. I liked how the book is so well researched and does not conflict with the historical events.
“Fortune’s Soldier” is full of dangerous adventures and battles. The descriptions of battles do get slightly repetitive after a point but never to the extent that you keep down the book. The plot of the book was quite interesting and fast paced although it did take me some time in the starting to get into the book owing to its slow beginning.
I would recommend this book to every history buff out there or anyone who likes a bit of historical fiction every now and then or may be someone who just wants to know about the rise of East India Company and doesn’t want to be bored by textbook descriptions!!
I was provided a review copy by Hachette India as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
Another favourite character of mine from the book is none other than Tuhin Singh. He is loyal and trustworthy, and his sense of friendship is something we could all learn from. I enjoyed reading how the friendship between Nicholas and Tuhin Singh developed and shaped into something strong and reliable. Although Tuhin Singh did not get a lot of character growth and could have been given some more time, he is, nonetheless, one of my favourite characters in the book. Apart from these characters, Meena and Lucia’s characters had a lot of potential and could have been explored more.
Alex Rutherford’s writing is vivid and illustrative, and captures you fully. I loved the description of the landscapes especially when Nicholas first reaches Calcutta. It was beautiful. I loved reading about my own country’s past from the eyes of a foreigner. It made me proud to be a part of such a rich heritage. I have always loved reading about India’s history and the battles that were fought in the past which give us an insight into people’s lives during those times. It is striking how much has changed post British rule and independence in India. This book enriched me with knowledge about the Hindustan before British rule. I liked how the book is so well researched and does not conflict with the historical events.
“Fortune’s Soldier” is full of dangerous adventures and battles. The descriptions of battles do get slightly repetitive after a point but never to the extent that you keep down the book. The plot of the book was quite interesting and fast paced although it did take me some time in the starting to get into the book owing to its slow beginning.
I would recommend this book to every history buff out there or anyone who likes a bit of historical fiction every now and then or may be someone who just wants to know about the rise of East India Company and doesn’t want to be bored by textbook descriptions!!
I was provided a review copy by Hachette India as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2018
East India Company is synonymous to Robert Clive. You can’t mention the former without talking of the latter, and that’s what even our history teachers have taught us at school. With Fortune’s Soldier, author Alex Rutherford takes his imagination an extra mile and turned it into a delightful read.
Character Analysis: The book is divided into five parts, and is basically exploring the relationship Nicholas Ballantyne shares with Robert Clive starting from the highlands of Scotland to Madras and ending at Calcutta. Robert Clive naturally has the best lines in the book which are worth quoting, the author has done extensive research in order to bring Clive to life, which reflects well in his lines. On the other hand, Nicholas Ballantyne is a fictional character built by the author who becomes a comrade to Clive through his journey to become the Commander-in-chief of British India. Ballantyne’s character is quite opposite to Clive’s; Clive is extremely ambitious, shrewd but intelligent while Ballantyne is much subtler and softer but highly intelligent too. Another character worth mentioning is Tuhin Singh, who is also fictional but has a close-knit relationship with Ballantyne and can be seen throughout the journey.
What I liked the most: Usually when Robert Clive is mentioned the immediate thought we have is either the East India Company or Battle of Plassey. The book has attempted to explore Clive’s voyage in Madras and Cuddalore. A parallel story runs through the book which elaborates his rise from a clerk to a commander-in-chief, which has been brought out perfectly by Rutherford. Part V of the book is extremely engrossing and has my heart because its well put, poignant and characters are well framed. The contrasting nature of Siraj-Ud-Daulah and Mir Jafar is something which is bought out with honesty, especially Mir Jafar. Lastly, there has been a great emphasis on the underrated characters within the journey of Robert Clive’s reign in British India.
What I didn’t like: The book is a slow read and requires a lot of concentration and note making. There are so many characters in the book, and sometimes the reader might fail to understand who is fictional and who is real and lastly, the book didn’t pick up speed till Part IV of the book, the first three parts are unusually lengthy but the part IV & V are worth the wait.
Why Should You Read It? You should pick it up for understanding Clive’s nature and his thinking process. It’s extremely personal and intimate, and definitely worth a read. Nicholas Ballantyne’s character is a USP for the book, which would attract more readers since Ballantyne’s characters bring forth an important moral lesson which elucidates between ambition and greed; and most importantly a thin line between the thirst of power and hunger of power which Clive had turned a blind eye over.
My Rating: 4/5
Character Analysis: The book is divided into five parts, and is basically exploring the relationship Nicholas Ballantyne shares with Robert Clive starting from the highlands of Scotland to Madras and ending at Calcutta. Robert Clive naturally has the best lines in the book which are worth quoting, the author has done extensive research in order to bring Clive to life, which reflects well in his lines. On the other hand, Nicholas Ballantyne is a fictional character built by the author who becomes a comrade to Clive through his journey to become the Commander-in-chief of British India. Ballantyne’s character is quite opposite to Clive’s; Clive is extremely ambitious, shrewd but intelligent while Ballantyne is much subtler and softer but highly intelligent too. Another character worth mentioning is Tuhin Singh, who is also fictional but has a close-knit relationship with Ballantyne and can be seen throughout the journey.
What I liked the most: Usually when Robert Clive is mentioned the immediate thought we have is either the East India Company or Battle of Plassey. The book has attempted to explore Clive’s voyage in Madras and Cuddalore. A parallel story runs through the book which elaborates his rise from a clerk to a commander-in-chief, which has been brought out perfectly by Rutherford. Part V of the book is extremely engrossing and has my heart because its well put, poignant and characters are well framed. The contrasting nature of Siraj-Ud-Daulah and Mir Jafar is something which is bought out with honesty, especially Mir Jafar. Lastly, there has been a great emphasis on the underrated characters within the journey of Robert Clive’s reign in British India.
What I didn’t like: The book is a slow read and requires a lot of concentration and note making. There are so many characters in the book, and sometimes the reader might fail to understand who is fictional and who is real and lastly, the book didn’t pick up speed till Part IV of the book, the first three parts are unusually lengthy but the part IV & V are worth the wait.
Why Should You Read It? You should pick it up for understanding Clive’s nature and his thinking process. It’s extremely personal and intimate, and definitely worth a read. Nicholas Ballantyne’s character is a USP for the book, which would attract more readers since Ballantyne’s characters bring forth an important moral lesson which elucidates between ambition and greed; and most importantly a thin line between the thirst of power and hunger of power which Clive had turned a blind eye over.
My Rating: 4/5
January 1, 2019
Actual Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.25
This book follows the eventful life of Nicholas Ballantyne who goes on to make his fortune in Hindustan with the East India Company. Apart from Nicholas, we’ve got an amazing cast of characters, playing some pivotal roles for the story to progress. I especially loved the camaraderie between Tuhin Singh and Nicholas. The novel also features Robert Clive, who is a very real and non-fictional character.
While reading the book, I could relate to various aspects and even comment on some of the events as I’d very recently studied them. For example, I founded the view that Aurangzeb was a bigoted ruler to be biased because you really need to read various historians points of views to come to a conclusion.
I really liked how some of the things have been beautifully described like the smell of Hindustan.
This is a very well researched book with well defined characters but the story is quite slow most of the time which makes it a bit difficult to get invested in it. Also, at times, their are wayyy too many characters which makes it super confusing!
It is also quite action packed but the action is too gory and violent, which I didn’t have a problem with as such, and also very repetitive like whenever any fight occurred, the description was kinda same and it just got monotonous.
This book also showed us the ambitious and arrogant nature of the infamous commander, Robert Clive.
The dialogues were quite witty at times and hilarious too. The books also had description of several wars which happened in India between 1745- 1757. It got a bit difficult for me to distinguish between what was real and fictional at times because the novel is basically based on the fictional Ballantyne papers.
The book ended on a somewhat bittersweet note after Nicholas had gone through several trials and tribulations, be it in wars, friendships or even love. It showed his amazing character development from a naive boy of 19 to a man who has seen the world after losing so many people
All in all, people who have an interest in history will like this book and others who have an interest specifically in Indian history will prefer it the most.
I can only admire your idealism and wonder at your naivety if you think such an order will be fully obeyed.
This book follows the eventful life of Nicholas Ballantyne who goes on to make his fortune in Hindustan with the East India Company. Apart from Nicholas, we’ve got an amazing cast of characters, playing some pivotal roles for the story to progress. I especially loved the camaraderie between Tuhin Singh and Nicholas. The novel also features Robert Clive, who is a very real and non-fictional character.
While reading the book, I could relate to various aspects and even comment on some of the events as I’d very recently studied them. For example, I founded the view that Aurangzeb was a bigoted ruler to be biased because you really need to read various historians points of views to come to a conclusion.
I really liked how some of the things have been beautifully described like the smell of Hindustan.
See those buildings along the bank- they’re warehouses, “go-downs” they call them. where the company stores sacks of spice ready to be shipped to Britain. But the scent’s other things as well. Flowers and Plants are giving off their fragrance. People are lighting their dung fires and cooking their evening meals- you can see the smoke rising and fishermen are drying their catch on racks. No other place on earth smells like this, particularly at this time of day.
This is a very well researched book with well defined characters but the story is quite slow most of the time which makes it a bit difficult to get invested in it. Also, at times, their are wayyy too many characters which makes it super confusing!
It is also quite action packed but the action is too gory and violent, which I didn’t have a problem with as such, and also very repetitive like whenever any fight occurred, the description was kinda same and it just got monotonous.
This book also showed us the ambitious and arrogant nature of the infamous commander, Robert Clive.
Get on your feet and fight me like a man. I’ve had enough of your bile, you ignorant sack of shit.
The dialogues were quite witty at times and hilarious too. The books also had description of several wars which happened in India between 1745- 1757. It got a bit difficult for me to distinguish between what was real and fictional at times because the novel is basically based on the fictional Ballantyne papers.
The book ended on a somewhat bittersweet note after Nicholas had gone through several trials and tribulations, be it in wars, friendships or even love. It showed his amazing character development from a naive boy of 19 to a man who has seen the world after losing so many people
All in all, people who have an interest in history will like this book and others who have an interest specifically in Indian history will prefer it the most.
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