A young woman takes her cousin's uniform and goes to war in his place — from the much-loved broadcaster and author of Between the Stops and Toksvig's Almanac.
London, 1897. Valentine Grey arrives in England having been brought up in the remote and sunny climes of India, and finds being forced into corsets and skirts in a damp, cold country insufferable. The only bright spot is her exciting cousin, Reggie.
Reggie and his lover Frank seek out the adventure that the clandestine bars and streets of London offer, and are happy to include Valentine in their secret — showing her theatre and gardens, and even teaching her to ride a bicycle.
Then comes the Boer War, and Reggie's father volunteers him; the empire must be defended. But it will not be Reggie who dons the Volunteer Regiment's garb. Valentine takes her chance, puts on her cousin's uniform, and leaves for war.
For a while it is glorious and liberating for both cousins. But war is not glorious — and in Victorian London, homosexuality is not liberating.
Praise
“Teasing out untold stories of the battlefield… follows the footsteps of the likes of Sarah Waters and Pat Barker.” — Independent
About the author
Sandi Toksvig is a writer, broadcaster and performer, the author of Between the Stops and Toksvig's Almanac, and a familiar voice to listeners and viewers across the world.
Perfect for readers of
Sarah Waters, Pat Barker, and historical fiction that puts women and queer lives back into the record. Of particular interest to Indian readers — its heroine begins the book leaving India behind.
