The Far Pavilions – M M Kaye

I first read The Far Pavilions as a teenager and had totally forgotten that it is largely set in what is now Pakistan, and over the border in Afghanistan, which would have made it a good book for my Hindu Kush Adventure. My memory of the novel was that it was an overwhelming love story, but this aspect didn’t really grab me in this recent second reading; rather it was the historically accurate narrative, with insights into the Great Game and the lack of understanding that led to the Second Afghan War. Published in 1978, the book’s theme of the West not understanding the Rest still holds true. When will we ever learn?

Amazon.co.uk link: The Far Pavilions – M M Kaye