This is the second volume in Raven's enthralling "Alms for Oblivion" sequence, and is one of the few not to focus on Fielding Gray (Raven's own alter ego). Instead the main character is the correct but incurably pompous Peter Morrison who, along with his schoolmates or close contemporaries Alister Mortleman, Barry Strange and the Earl of Muscateer, is sent off to India to complete his National Service. There they meet with the brutal realities of service life abroad, but are fortunate enough to come under the tutelage of Gilzai Khan, a Muslim Captain within the army, who supervises their training.
Raven conjures some amazing episodes, including a hilarious challenge between Captain Khan and the obstreperous Mortleman, but also captures the post-war stress in India that preceded Independence and partition.
Scurrilous as ever, and constantly entertaining. ( )