TOO FEW FOR DRUMS

by R. F. Delderfield ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1971

Delderfield spins off his action tale of the adventures of a young British ensign and his men from behind French lines during the Napoleonic wars with gruff ease; however, his characters and motivation are based on the same well-oiled assumptions which have offered his adult audiences an easy retreat. Ensign Graham nervously rallies a ragtag group of men in occupied Portugal in 1810, with the considerable help of beautiful but bedraggled Gwyneth, a veteran camp follower whose main contribution seems to be to make a man of Graham by striking her colors in the glade. (""If you take me you will feel yourself a man. . ."") Girls -- and boys these days -- may well question such mythic female priorities, and adults might wonder if explicit sex scenes and flashing views of ""broad hips and buttocks"" will defuse the musket fire. The action, as stalwarts are picked off one by one, as the options dwindle and as Graham (presumably powered from below) assumes leadership with confidence, is fast and flawless. But alas for Gwyneth and her admirers -- no matter how sharp her shooting, how brilliant her ballistics, it's the rear action in the glen that prevails.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1971

ISBN: 093552696X

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1971

Categories: FICTION