Alms for Oblivion: Sunset on the Pacific War

This well written book tells the story of an obscure but important period of history. The exciting yet at times tragic narrative sheds light on the end of the Imperial Japanese empire and the rise of the Viet Minh. It should be essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Southeast Asia.

The final book in the Peter Kemp trilogy covers his operations in colonial SE Asia after being released from captivity in Soviet Russia. Kemp turned down demobilization to assist in restoring order in the wake of Japanese surrender in the region. His personal life in shambles, he throws himself into the mission in an ambiguous theatre of war, with shifting alliances and unreliable allies at every turn. From French Indo China, to Bali and Lombok, Kemp continues to relate situations of extreme stress and danger with his usual good humour.This book is a fine conclusion to the memoirs of the English adventurer. It is insane to think that at it's conclusion he is a mere 31 years old, having been at war for a decade.

Nice way to forget the time spent on commuting. Can't wait for next releases.

Great reprint of a once forgotten book by Mystery Grove. Beautiful prose and descriptions by Peter Kemp, his observations are very detailed, sometimes I felt like I was with him in SE Asia in real time.The book is very personal, I believe Kemp has not showcased the variety of his emotions elsewhere. In this book he comes across as protective & caring (incident with the French hostages and Klotz), other times as humorous, vengeful, horny, the life of the party, afraid.This book is also very funny in the way its written, and Kemp seems like a delightful man to know. His writing also makes me nostalgic for a time & aesthetic long gone. In a first I felt an aesthetic expressed in writing. Great book, would recommend.

Würde ich jeden empfehlen der einen realistischen Einblick in die Geschehnisse in Südostasien 1945 bekommen will. Ein unfassbares Ende einer Trilogie.