Only an Ensign: A Tale of the Retreat from Cabul, Volume 1 (of 3)

A young man from an aristocratic Cornish family finds himself caught between the expectations of a domineering uncle and his own yearning for a different life. The opening scenes reveal lively dinner‑table debates about politics, marriage and diplomatic ambition, while the protagonist, Richard Trevelyan, remains uneasy about the path laid before him. The vivid domestic portrait sets the tone for a story that intertwines personal desire with the weight of tradition.

When duty finally calls, the narrative shifts to the harsh frontiers of Afghanistan, where an officer of the Queen’s 44th Regiment is thrust into the chaos of the infamous retreat from Kabul. Through a blend of historical detail and imaginative storytelling, the novel follows his precarious escape, the camaraderie of fellow soldiers, and the lingering shadows of loss that follow a shattered campaign. Listeners will be drawn into a world where honor, survival, and the echo of distant family counsel collide on the dusty passes of the Khyber.