by Giles Fodden, (Faber and Faber, London, 1999, £ 5.99)

Ladysmith is a great read that will give you some insight into how the Brits dealt with being besieged. From Spion Kop (WOW frightning description of slaughter, to the siege to relief. Shells and shrapnel, death and hunger are facinatingly drawn with british soldiers and townspeople under extreme pressure. BUT, they keep up their spirits with parties and cricket matches, as well as se_ you know. Can someone explain cricket to us yanks???? so we can understand sticky wickets and googlies???? And why can't the Brits win the cricket international playoffs. I am not a fan of the Boer Wars so I don't know how well it is described in this novel. No, it won't make me want to read up on it, I have too much other stuff to read. Especially the latest Tom Clancy novel The Bear and the Dragon. Any way, I can recommend this for being a very good read.