Mutiny Memoirs: Being Personal Reminiscences of the Great Sepoy Revolt of 1857 Paperback – Import, 30 October 2016

A DRAB ACCOUNT OF VAINGLORIOUS JUSTIFICATION

While historical narratives are informative, to me there is something timeless about personal reminiscences. There is a depth of color and observation often missing from retellings of the bigger picture. Highly recommended.

A fascinating insight into a terrible part of our national history. Life was tough and soldiering a very brutal and personal affair and I am delighted not to have been alive then! If you have an interest in our shared history and especially India, this is a must read and a reminder of how lucky we are today.

"Mutiny Memoirs" by Col. A.R.D. Mackenzie is the personal experiences of a British officer during the Great Sepoy Revolt of 1857 in India. Written in the 1890, the style and much of the vocabulary is somewhat unusual to the American reader. Also, most Americans, myself included, have only a vague knowledge of the revolt against British colonial rule in India. Sometimes referred to as the first war of independence for India, it would be another hundred years before independence would be realized. In 1857 large numbers of native Indians were in British military units commanded by white officers. Many of these "sepoys" mutinied and carried on a two year long war before being suppressed. It is an interesting tale, but I would suggest reading a reference piece first to appreciate the rich details.