Retribution Road Paperback – 2018

Almost three books for the price of one – a historical read, plus a political one on the horrors of the Burma wars and a western story. Yes that surprised me too, but as you read and see the threads coming together it all blends and works very well together.It is a long read and at times the descriptions of warfare and torture can be heavy going at times but overall it’s a rewarding read. It’s really in a genre of its own I would say as it ‘s much more than a sum of its parts.I loved the historical premise with the mystery of the East India Company and the types of missions which went on at that time, the type of war which originated in the Burmese jungle and the conditions and minds of the men who played a role. As Bowman follows the trail, he encounters many events in American and world history which populate the pages, creating a veritable journey in every sense of the word.It’s an impressive and epic novel although I do think it could have been shorter and yet still as effective if not more. A little less detail and more breathing space would have made this more powerful in many ways but you con’t deny that the author has more than done his homework and for that I applaud himSpecial mention has to go to the translator as it’s a smooth and impressive story in English too. This would not have been an easy job and to keep the threads in order, the tension up then down, the haunting story of the past coming to the fore….the nuances of the time and place.An epic and impressive read that brings its own rewards.

This was a great book--old school adventure western war revenge and redemption story all rolled into one. Don't know if it was the translation or the author's style but the book could have been pared down a bit and been a bit less opaque. Highly recommended-they don't write them like this anymore.