War letters home from Crimea and India / Dorothy Bentley Smith.

Writing this particular book has been an unusual experience from which I can appreciate the passion and emotional oscillations involved when Count Leo Nikolaievich Tolstoy wrote his epic War and Peace (1875-78). Although obviously not present during the events taking place in the Crimea, which Tolstoy was on occasion, yet through letters written by a young lieutenant to his family near Macclesfield, the sights, sounds and feelings expressed have enabled a significant part of the young man's story to be written. The second story of a young doctor from Macclesfield, a contemporary of the lieutenant, who again write in-depth letters home during his service in India and Egypt, is full of interesting detail which initially suggests reminiscences of a tourist's holiday. It lures us into a false sense of security for the horrifying events that were to follow. Whilst war and battles encompass death, gloom and destruction, yet there are the lighter fascinating interludes, so important to balance the story and bring to life the characters of those involved, and also their comrades and friends. I sincerely hope that these stories will encourage an appreciation of the service given by these two young men. who did not hesitate to serve their nation in its time of need. Their resilience in adversity and their dedication to duty was second to none, and, although quite different in character, both were psychologically suited for the war zone in which each served.