Massacre at Cawnpore

Massacre at Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart is the third book in a series that features the fictional character, Alex Sheridan, an officer of the British Army serving in India during the 1850s. This book is a well researched and historically accurate portrayal of the Sepoy Mutiny at Cawnpore. It describes, in detail, how the overwhelmed soldiers and their families that were garrisoned at Cawnpore held out for a couple of week in frightful conditions, and then, after having signed agreements with the Nana Sahib, the Maharajah of Bithur, for a peaceful withdrawal, were slaughtered. Some 200 women and children were taken prisoner but when rescue was at hand, the Nana ordered these innocents slaughtered as well.

The book reads less like a novel and show more more like a factual military history. Other than Alex and his wife Emmy, most of the characters were real people and the author kept strictly to the record. Although the British made many errors with their own behavior and in the treatment of their native soldiers, as is so often the case, the guiltless paid a heavy price. While Alex barely survives and joins with the rescue party, he loses both his infant son and his young wife. While the Nana Sahib tried to eliminate all witnesses to his treachery, enough lived to condemn him.

I enjoy reading military history books and Massacre at Cawnpore is a well written account of one of the battles that occurred during the Sepoy Rebellion. Stuart writes a clearly followed timeline, that although is brutal and bloody is accurate. I am looking forward to the 4th book as I am guessing it will detail the British reclaiming their interests and exacting revenge on the Nana Sahib for betrayal. show less

The English piss on their Indian allies no end, finally, having enough of this Whiggery, the Indians mutiny. Great retelling of the Sepoy Mutiny. This lady can write!

The action in this excellent series moves to Cawnpore. The siege is relieved with horrific findings in the well. Accurate history, good story.