CLOETE, Stuart - Rags of Glory - (1963 1st Edition Hardcover)

Book still in a good condition - No wrapper - Slight damage to top of spine.   >>>   Although this book, like its companion piece "The Fiercest Heart" centers upon the Boer War, surely a dated episode of a long-gone world, the story still resonates and the personalities of the main protagonists come to the fore. The London parts of the story, the horrors of the white-slavery business add a whole new dimension. Elsie, the "rescued" prossie and Betty the maid are perhaps a bit overly idealistically drawn and the revenge taken by Betty's brothers is probably a little too pat, but satisfying to read nonetheless.   Cloete's narrative style is uncomplicated, with no literary flourishes, no great social "message" and no psychological soul-searching. He just tells a good story in plain language. Altogether, an easy, enjoyable read.