One of Henty's most readable Books. Bearing in mind that when it was written (1888) it was nearer in time to the event than it is to the present day, it's an excellent way of getting the feel of the time, with plenty of 'Adventure' to keep the young reader involved. As good, in my opinion, as Dicken's "A Tale of Two Cities" (1859). Both will give a good flavour of the French Revolution. Henty's, however, has a much happier ending !
This is a novel about the American War of Independence - told from the British side. The hero views Bunker Hill, but misses other major engagements - possibly too painful for Henty. However he doesn't hesitate to criticise British generalship.
The war ends in British defeat at Yorktown and the hero goes to Canada, as indeed did many Royalists.
Only about 3 pages about the Siege of Gibraltar itself, and there are more than one or two inaccuracies which would jar the true historian. The hero, for example, swims the Bay of Gibraltar in about 3½ hours, walks through Estapona to Malaga (which is 42 miles in distance according to Michelin Map No.990) and naturally completes the task with not a murmur. (As a sixteen year old he obviously does not like to be bored).
Having said all that, if you want to start a youngster off on Henty on one of his more readable adventure stories, this is as good as any.
Gordon Berlyne’s book reviews
Gordon Berlyne OBE
The war ends in British defeat at Yorktown and the hero goes to Canada, as indeed did many Royalists.
Gordon Berlyne OBE
Having said all that, if you want to start a youngster off on Henty on one of his more readable adventure stories, this is as good as any.
Gordon Berlyne OBE