Journal of the Disasters in Afghanistan 1841-42

by Lady Florentia Sale

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476 pages, Hardcover

First published June 20, 2005

Reviews

[Robin Braysher · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have read 'Flashman' you will know the redoubtable and outspoken Lady Sale. As a long-standing military wife she undoubtedly knew her stuff and was well attuned to how matters were going in Cabul before the disastrous retreat. I'll be honest I did get thoroughly confused by the various factions but, in a sense, it doesn't matter as you get a good idea of the turmoil and dithering of the British political and military leaders. I would have preferred a more domestic account of Lady Sale's life in Cabul with her daughter, but it's fair enough that she wanted to write on more serious matters for her husband, 'Fighting Bob' Sale in Jellalabad. The section relating to their captivity as hostages does focus more on day-to-day matters. She was certainly a remarkable woman and has left a valuable account of this appalling and ill-thought out military venture.

The book contains a useful map of the cantonments in Cabul, a comprehensive glossary of local terminology which she freely uses and some clarifying notes, including correspondence belonging to her son-in-law (killed in the retreat) and a copy of the treaty under which the British left Cabul.