This novel follows a British family that was stationed at the Episkopi Garrison in Cyprus during Cyprus' gorilla war for independence from the British.
The book has two areas of interest. It is a very interesting account of what was happening at the British bases at the time and how they were interacting with the local population. The story has a lot to say about the ethics of war and colonial control of foreign lands. Although it is entirely from the British perspective (and I believe it does not do enough to explain how Cypriots themselves viewed the conflict), it does its best to show the best and the worst aspect of the British exercise of power. It raises significant issues regarding war ethics and it deals with them elegantly.
Alongside this, the book is interesting as a lifelong love story between the couple. It makes very keen psychological observations and it has a lot to teach us about human nature.
The book contains admirable characters, and yet it presents its people with exceptional realism. I would say the biggest achievement of the book is how expertly is shows the difference between what a person really is and how they can be misunderstood by others. The writer manages to arouse compassion and understanding, and even love ifor a character who, on the outside, is difficult to like.
A very interesting historical book. The story includes sexual violence, torture and deaths, yet it is not gory or shocking. It contains sadness but it is written expertly and gently and it is therefore appropriate material for teenagers. IT shows the horror and moral complexity of war. It raises important sociological and ethical questions. A good introduction to the atrocities committed in Cyprus during the independence struggle in the 1950's.
