Dando and the summer palace,

Dando #2

by Ronald Bassett

Dando and the Summer Palace

Genres: Historical Fiction

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Ronald Leslie Bassett is a British writer and novelist. He wrote numerous works of historical fiction, sometimes under the pseudonym of "William Clive". He received many awards for his medical and pharmaceutical writing.

Reviews

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The British Empire under Queen Victoria was vast. What the Empire hadn’t claimed was often forced, even under military duress, to bend to their will. A standing army, manned and officered by a few British men, was supplemented with many more troops conscripted from places throughout the Empire. They were used to quell any disturbances or actions against British interests. After the Indian Mutiny was over, another problem arose when China reverted to a policy of isolation, by refusing access or trade with the western powers. This move was unacceptable to the United States, France, and Great Britain. All three countries promptly formed a coalition to force their will on China.
Joseph Dando, is a private soldier in the British army, is sent with his regiment to the Chinese mainland to force access and open trade. The coalition troops sorely underestimate the Chinese tenacity and resolve to defend their homeland.
Although this book is well researched and historically accurate, I found it a real trial to read. Dando’s Cockney dialect, when written, is extremely difficult to read by an American, not used to reading it. It took me months to complete this two hundred page book. I’m all for veracity but it shouldn’t be employed at the cost of clarity.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

British army fighting expedition of 1860s

Would have given a five star rating if it wasn’t old English language which was brutal sometimes to read and interpret. Interesting characters to say the least. A hard gritty soldiers life depicted realistic conditions back then.

[Carl A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history

The history is very interesting but the language (actual old English) was hard to read. Gave me a new look at empire building of the British empire.

[Kenneth W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pidgeon English & Blarney

Overall, it was interesting to learn about the 2nd Opium War, but difficult to read in the vernacular of the Irish soldiers. NOT a favorite.

[L J Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and a half stars, actually. The story is laden with humor, but not much action. I enjoyed the book but, after reading the first Dando tale, was disappointed. There simply wasn't enough derring-do to satisfy my bloodthirstiness. Bassett is a truly great find and I suspect I will eventually read all sixteen of his novels. For me, this was the seventh and probably the least satisfying.