Monica Reads is co-published by InDepthNH.org and Manchester Ink Link
MONICA READS, A review by MONICA WEST
Seven Men of Gascony By R. E. Delderfield
Napoleon Bonaparte’s execution of war in France up to and including his failure at Waterloo is worth your time to read Seven Men of Gascony. Seven men, strangers all, become the protagonists and you will experience their kindness, loyalty, anger, love and friendship.
You will be amazed at how the members of this small group, under the command of Jean the NCO, survived and cared for each other. You will experience being part of the Grand Army and meet all of the people during the battles.
The seven men from Gascony travel all over the European world. The feelings they experience show how people in different countries experienced battles and war in a very personal way. How would we have handled it? How did the French feel during Bonaparte’s last attempts at battle after he had abdicated? How did the French feel with the Bourbons’ return to power?
It is a story of the last six years of Bonaparte’s life. The world was at war. The military units were full of old soldiers and new conscripts. Life in the military in France is detailed as incredibly interesting. The seven strangers from Gascony come to life on the pages and you will become attached to each one.
It is well-written and the author’s ability to detail each scene helps glue your mind to the past. If you have any interest in history, you will find this an interesting and gripping read.
Go to your library, now. I have read, more than once, that soldiers fight and risk their lives for each other. This is confirmation of that fact.
Monica West reviews books for InDepthNH.org. Monica is known for her love of history and her lifelong love for reading. She has a bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in English. “My years of reading for leisure and pleasure have given me the insight to read a book and analyze the author’s baggage, cargo and ability to write the language of his/her mind and utilize the gift of prose to educate and entertain the reader. Go get a book, read it and enjoy the adventure.” Contact Monica at mawest@tds.net