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The Battle of Paardeberg: Lord Roberts' Gambit
The Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) was fought between the tiny South African Boer republics and the mighty British Empire. For the British it was a foretaste of the devastating power of the modern weaponry they would face in the First World War and they suffered a series of catastrophic defeats. In response Field Marshal Frederick Roberts initiated one of the most audacious manoeuvres of the war. His objective was to outflank General Pieter Cronjé and his Boer army which sat astride the route to the besieged town of Kimberley. The move would culminate in one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war, the Battle of Paardeberg. The outcome of the battle was far from certain for either man. Would it be Lord Roberts or General Cronjé who prevailed?
442 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2014
1 person is currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Martin Marais
26 books56 followersAs a child I was a voracious reader, but mainly of non-fiction and, living in South Africa, I had a particular interest in books about African wildlife, such as Operation Rhino. As an adult I now read more fiction than non-fiction and my favourite novels include; Watership Down (Richard Adams), The Killer Angels (Michael Shaara), Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck), The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (John Boyne) and Lonesome Dove (Larry McMurtry).
I have always wanted to write a novel, but for many years could not find a style or subject that enthused me sufficiently to put the time aside to write one. I have a great interest in history and one day picked up a copy of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. It is a wonderful telling of the Battle of Gettysburg and it provided me with an idea for the structure of my novels and also the subject matter. My debut novel, The Battle of Paardeberg: Lord Roberts’ Gambit, the story of a key battle of the Boer War in 1900, was the result.
My first western novella, The Bounty Hunters, came to me during a sleepless night. It is inspired by the Spaghetti Westerns I used to watch as a child. It is the first in a series of potentially five stories about a pair of alienated Bounty Hunter cousins who meet unexpectedly in a remote cattle town.
In addition to the western novellas, I am currently writing a novel set in medieval Europe.
When I am not writing or reading I enjoy photography, cycling and the red wines of South Africa and South America.
I have always wanted to write a novel, but for many years could not find a style or subject that enthused me sufficiently to put the time aside to write one. I have a great interest in history and one day picked up a copy of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. It is a wonderful telling of the Battle of Gettysburg and it provided me with an idea for the structure of my novels and also the subject matter. My debut novel, The Battle of Paardeberg: Lord Roberts’ Gambit, the story of a key battle of the Boer War in 1900, was the result.
My first western novella, The Bounty Hunters, came to me during a sleepless night. It is inspired by the Spaghetti Westerns I used to watch as a child. It is the first in a series of potentially five stories about a pair of alienated Bounty Hunter cousins who meet unexpectedly in a remote cattle town.
In addition to the western novellas, I am currently writing a novel set in medieval Europe.
When I am not writing or reading I enjoy photography, cycling and the red wines of South Africa and South America.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 5, 2017
Outstanding historical war story.
Martin Marais' The Battle of Paardeberg is an outstanding novel of a historic battle of the Second Anglo-Boer War.
It is a novel, as Marais has chosen to use this format to tell the story, but as a set of personal recollections of the battle from both sides, it is substantively an accurate military history.
Marais excels at showing how the battle came about, and in identifying the motives and personalities of the various officers on both sides, and their impact on the orders and the execution of those orders during the battle. His lively and evocative descriptions of people, animals, and terrain place the reader within a tangible setting, while his action and combat scenes are horribly realistic.
In addition to the purely military aspects, Marais delivers a uniquely balanced insight into the world-view and the thinking of characters on both sides. I became thoroughly invested in many of the characters, whether Boer or Brit, and the novel succeeds as superbly as a story, as it does as a military history.
The back matter contains some fascinating notes, and some surprises, on what became of everyone who survived the battle.
Whether you are a military history buff or simply enjoy historical novels, this comes with a five-star recommenation from me.
Martin Marais' The Battle of Paardeberg is an outstanding novel of a historic battle of the Second Anglo-Boer War.
It is a novel, as Marais has chosen to use this format to tell the story, but as a set of personal recollections of the battle from both sides, it is substantively an accurate military history.
Marais excels at showing how the battle came about, and in identifying the motives and personalities of the various officers on both sides, and their impact on the orders and the execution of those orders during the battle. His lively and evocative descriptions of people, animals, and terrain place the reader within a tangible setting, while his action and combat scenes are horribly realistic.
In addition to the purely military aspects, Marais delivers a uniquely balanced insight into the world-view and the thinking of characters on both sides. I became thoroughly invested in many of the characters, whether Boer or Brit, and the novel succeeds as superbly as a story, as it does as a military history.
The back matter contains some fascinating notes, and some surprises, on what became of everyone who survived the battle.
Whether you are a military history buff or simply enjoy historical novels, this comes with a five-star recommenation from me.
January 17, 2017
This is a masterful work on the Boer War. Marais takes you right into the heat of the battle from a diverse array of perspectives. The generals, infantry, sergeants, berghers, and even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were all well represented and expertly narrated.
What I particularly appreciated was that the book reads like a story and not a university textbook. You really get to know the characters, their personal struggles, and how they interacted with each other, while at the same time learning a great deal about how and why the Boer War was fought.
In addition, the descriptions were vivid and, on occasion, chilling. I felt like I was right there when the Canadians were making their advance in the pitch black night. And the realities of a Boer War field hospital are, by all accounts, horrifying.
There were times when the descriptions went on a bit too long, but not so much that they impacted the flow.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in military history. You'll come away with a much better understand of a war that set the tone for World War One.
What I particularly appreciated was that the book reads like a story and not a university textbook. You really get to know the characters, their personal struggles, and how they interacted with each other, while at the same time learning a great deal about how and why the Boer War was fought.
In addition, the descriptions were vivid and, on occasion, chilling. I felt like I was right there when the Canadians were making their advance in the pitch black night. And the realities of a Boer War field hospital are, by all accounts, horrifying.
There were times when the descriptions went on a bit too long, but not so much that they impacted the flow.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in military history. You'll come away with a much better understand of a war that set the tone for World War One.
January 7, 2015
Whatever I'd learnt about the Boer War (many, many years ago) I had forgotten most of it and so I approached this novel of an actual (and quite crucial) conflict in 1900 not knowing the outcome. That was good in that I could treat the story as a mystery in that there was always doubt as to who would do the next stupid thing and what the consequences of those actions might have been.
Marais is on the side of the Boer's in this novel. He even has characters in the novel with his name – whether actual ancestors or just a fanciful example of poetic license I don't know. That's not a problem as I don't see the need for impartiality when it comes to war.
This means that the British (or at least the British Military Command) don't come out too well in this book – although he is kinder to the ordinary soldiers. At the same time it is difficult for anyone to look at the actions of the British and wonder at their incompetence. This is especially the case with Kitchener. The way, on 18th February, 1900, he just threw away men's lives in badly organised, uncoordinated and foolish attacks in the open against well entrenched, well armed and a skilful opponent belies all understanding. For his decisions on that day alone, which became known as Bloody Sunday, he should have been removed from any sort of command position if not shot.
But the class structure of the British Army, then and now, and the way that lower ranking officers just obeyed orders (as did the ordinary soldier) however ludicrous they might have been meant that Kitchener was barely criticised for his tactics and was even allowed to get into positions of influence in the mass slaughter that was to take place 14 years later.
Marias captures this situation, and the back biting that went on at the top of the military hierarchy, well and few of the British commanders come out with their reputations intact.
Even though a supporter of the Boer cause Marais presents Cronje's refusal to escape when he had the chance as being a little more than stubbornness, more like an example of lunacy. His refusal to move lacked (and still lacks) any logic.
One thing that I found at the back of my mind whilst reading about the development of events was the lack of any meaningful representation of the indigenous Africans. In the novel only one of them even gets a name let alone any character development. And this underlies my problem in having much sympathy for the Boers.
I agree with Marais that the Boers were fighting against a rapacious empire and an analysis of history would argue that it was David against Goliath. The problem is that the Boers (then and from my own experience now) didn't take the positive from such a struggle against the imperialist bully. The black African population were just in the way, at times a military nuisance or either used as servants for all the menial tasks. In less than 50 years of the battle at Paardeberg the system of Apartheid had been institutionalised by the same Boers who had fought against the British.
This is the problem of a people who get their justification from God (and a book – here the Bible). Once they had the position of power in what became to be known as the Republic of South Africa the once oppressed Boers became the oppressors of the majority, indigenous population.
(As an aside – Martin should check, and correct, the Wikipedia page about the Paardeberg battle as his brother, Michael, is claiming credit for his work.)
A Goodreads First Reads winner.
Marais is on the side of the Boer's in this novel. He even has characters in the novel with his name – whether actual ancestors or just a fanciful example of poetic license I don't know. That's not a problem as I don't see the need for impartiality when it comes to war.
This means that the British (or at least the British Military Command) don't come out too well in this book – although he is kinder to the ordinary soldiers. At the same time it is difficult for anyone to look at the actions of the British and wonder at their incompetence. This is especially the case with Kitchener. The way, on 18th February, 1900, he just threw away men's lives in badly organised, uncoordinated and foolish attacks in the open against well entrenched, well armed and a skilful opponent belies all understanding. For his decisions on that day alone, which became known as Bloody Sunday, he should have been removed from any sort of command position if not shot.
But the class structure of the British Army, then and now, and the way that lower ranking officers just obeyed orders (as did the ordinary soldier) however ludicrous they might have been meant that Kitchener was barely criticised for his tactics and was even allowed to get into positions of influence in the mass slaughter that was to take place 14 years later.
Marias captures this situation, and the back biting that went on at the top of the military hierarchy, well and few of the British commanders come out with their reputations intact.
Even though a supporter of the Boer cause Marais presents Cronje's refusal to escape when he had the chance as being a little more than stubbornness, more like an example of lunacy. His refusal to move lacked (and still lacks) any logic.
One thing that I found at the back of my mind whilst reading about the development of events was the lack of any meaningful representation of the indigenous Africans. In the novel only one of them even gets a name let alone any character development. And this underlies my problem in having much sympathy for the Boers.
I agree with Marais that the Boers were fighting against a rapacious empire and an analysis of history would argue that it was David against Goliath. The problem is that the Boers (then and from my own experience now) didn't take the positive from such a struggle against the imperialist bully. The black African population were just in the way, at times a military nuisance or either used as servants for all the menial tasks. In less than 50 years of the battle at Paardeberg the system of Apartheid had been institutionalised by the same Boers who had fought against the British.
This is the problem of a people who get their justification from God (and a book – here the Bible). Once they had the position of power in what became to be known as the Republic of South Africa the once oppressed Boers became the oppressors of the majority, indigenous population.
(As an aside – Martin should check, and correct, the Wikipedia page about the Paardeberg battle as his brother, Michael, is claiming credit for his work.)
A Goodreads First Reads winner.
February 8, 2017
Martin's book provides an excellent spyglass view of the British Colonial attitude and that of the South African Boers (farmers) of Dutch, German and French decent. The reality of war upon horseback and the South African veld comes into sharp focus along with the motives and emotions of the characters from both sides of this conflict.
The books only shortcoming is that some pages have very long paragraphs. Places where there are two paragraphs per page. This may have been editing issues. Nevertheless, it's how it lost one star in my view.
Beyond that little item, Martin has done an exceptional job of creating the motivations, dialogue, emotions and thoughts of all involved in a conflict over diamonds, gold and land. A conflict that brought two cultures to armed violence for a second time. British pride was on the line during this war as they had lost the first one against the Boer.
As it unfolds with violent battle and endless hours of 'hurry up and wait', the reader comes to understand the divide and the conflicts and the pride that affected both the British and the Boer, who gave up tilling their lands to become soldiers in defense of it. One can smell the wet earth during a downpour and the chill of night wrapping its arms around our shoulders as we huddled in trenches alongside a Boer or soldier of the British forces.
An truly excellent work and well worth reading.
The books only shortcoming is that some pages have very long paragraphs. Places where there are two paragraphs per page. This may have been editing issues. Nevertheless, it's how it lost one star in my view.
Beyond that little item, Martin has done an exceptional job of creating the motivations, dialogue, emotions and thoughts of all involved in a conflict over diamonds, gold and land. A conflict that brought two cultures to armed violence for a second time. British pride was on the line during this war as they had lost the first one against the Boer.
As it unfolds with violent battle and endless hours of 'hurry up and wait', the reader comes to understand the divide and the conflicts and the pride that affected both the British and the Boer, who gave up tilling their lands to become soldiers in defense of it. One can smell the wet earth during a downpour and the chill of night wrapping its arms around our shoulders as we huddled in trenches alongside a Boer or soldier of the British forces.
An truly excellent work and well worth reading.
May 14, 2015
Well written and researched this historical novel emphasises the common humanity of fighting men across culture. I grew up reading Stuart Cloete's great novels set in the same era and am happy that interest in this fascinating conflict continues. Congratulations Martin!
February 28, 2023
The Battle of Paardeberg is an amazing portrayal of the decisive battle of the Boer War. Marais brings to life a broad array of Afikaners, English, Scots, Germans, men, women, officers, enlisted men, and civilians caught up in a pivotal moment in South African history.
It's a page-turner alright, with closely examined portraits of historical figures mixed with riveting suspense of battle. Marais pulls no punches when describing the effect of Mauser bullets on a man's boy, the stench of waste and death in the trenches, and the grim detrius of man and beast in the Modder River.
The Boer War is ill-remembered today. Fought in a remote corner of Africa, it was a harbinger of things to come. Over a decade before the trench warfare of the Western Front of World War I, British generals were learning the folly of sending troops charging towards trenches filled with determined riflemen. Decades before guerilla warfare would rock colonial empires in Indochina, Malaya, Angola, and many other places, Boer commandos showed how a people in arms could stall out empire's march. The age old practice of making war by attacking the enemy's civilians (the sea the guerilla swims in, according to Mao) was modernized in British concentration camps.
Marais's focus is on the personal, this novel is driven by character, while keeping an eye on history's horizons. Oom Cronje, stubborn and doomed, Lt.-Col. Otter, leading Canadian troops in their first overseas war, Sir John French, brave but shortsighted, and so many other characters bring to life this slice of history served raw.
Finished reading February 27, 2023, Majuba Day '23.
It's a page-turner alright, with closely examined portraits of historical figures mixed with riveting suspense of battle. Marais pulls no punches when describing the effect of Mauser bullets on a man's boy, the stench of waste and death in the trenches, and the grim detrius of man and beast in the Modder River.
The Boer War is ill-remembered today. Fought in a remote corner of Africa, it was a harbinger of things to come. Over a decade before the trench warfare of the Western Front of World War I, British generals were learning the folly of sending troops charging towards trenches filled with determined riflemen. Decades before guerilla warfare would rock colonial empires in Indochina, Malaya, Angola, and many other places, Boer commandos showed how a people in arms could stall out empire's march. The age old practice of making war by attacking the enemy's civilians (the sea the guerilla swims in, according to Mao) was modernized in British concentration camps.
Marais's focus is on the personal, this novel is driven by character, while keeping an eye on history's horizons. Oom Cronje, stubborn and doomed, Lt.-Col. Otter, leading Canadian troops in their first overseas war, Sir John French, brave but shortsighted, and so many other characters bring to life this slice of history served raw.
Finished reading February 27, 2023, Majuba Day '23.
September 12, 2020
This book told the tale of a critical battle during the Second Boer War creatively and engagingly. You see the war through multiple perspectives, ranging from foot soldiers to generals. As a piece of creative nonfiction, the author stated he took some liberties with historical accuracy to transform dry history into a compelling narrative. So, if you're looking for a telling of the event that is 100% accurate, you may be disappointed. If, however, you want to see history come alive rather than read pedantic blow-by-blow of dates, names, and events, you'll enjoy this telling of the Battle of Paardeberg.
April 14, 2016
This is a good Historical book about the Anglo-Boar war. I knew very little about this war and found this book fascinating. The Author gives lots of details as well as maps of the area and profiles of major characters.
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May 26, 2016Average score of 4.7/5 on Amazon from 11 reviews (Feb 2016)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews