Finally after many years I was able to obtain a copy of this most elusive novel. For many years I have enjoyed the excellent film made in 1960 with Alec Guiness amd John Mills. Over time I had a desire to read the novel upon which the movie was based. Trying to get a copy of this little known work in the States was a difficult prospect, and I am indebted to Amazon.com for their exteneive resources to finally obtain a copy.
The novel is almost like seeing the movie. In fact this is one of those rare examples where a film truly does a literary work justice. In fact I might even venture to say that the film fills out more aspects of the novel, and while the sequence of events may be slightly diferent in both, the end result is brilliant in both cases. This can be one of the fun reasons to read a book and compare it to the cinema version. With this novel most people would likely not know of it except for the brilliance of the movie. This is why I wanted to read it.
The novel finally answered a burning question I have always had. Which Scottish regiment was the author referring too? Apparently Mr. Kenneaway served in the Gordon Highlanders in post war Germany. His expereinces as an officer appear to have been somewhat jaded and his reflexions on national service and the secluded nature of regimental life were shown in the novel. The conflicting personalities of officers and the petty nature of the mess hall ware issues that are shown to have deadly consequnces. Still, the way the novel shows the richness of regimental life in a famous Scottish regiment is one of the main attractions of both this work and the movie. Originally the movie was intended to be shot in Stirling Castle with the Argylls, but the colonel of that regiment decided not to do so which required the production to be done in London Studios. Mostly likely the London Scottish Territorials were used for the big scene shots. Anyway, those who have enjoyed the movie for many years will also like to see how the original novel reads. Like myself they should find it rewarding.
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Top reviews from other countries
A. Campbell
Better than the excellent Alec Guinness Academy Award Winning movie
Reviewed in Canada on December 17, 2020
Maria Serena Antonelli
Campbell Barracks
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2011Amazon Customer ke
Book far better than the film
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2022Apollonia.
Pity that the book looks scruffy, it was bought new.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2024ladygrinningsoul
A must for military Jocks
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2017