A Fascinating Traitor: An Anglo-Indian Story

by Richard Savage

"A Fascinating Traitor: An Anglo-Indian Story" by Col. Richard Henry Savage is a novel that likely draws upon themes of adventure and intrigue set against the backdrop of the British colonial experience, written during the late 19th century. The narrative introduces Major Alan Hawke, a disillusioned and financially troubled former officer deeply reflective on his wasteful past, who finds himself in Geneva, contemplating drastic actions amidst a swirl of complex character interactions. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Major Alan Hawke as he reflects on his failures and sense of hopelessness while feeding swans at Lake Leman. His misadventures have left him financially stricken after a disastrous stint at the gaming tables of Monte Carlo. As he resolves to return to India, he encounters Captain Anson Anstruther, with whom he engages in a game of cards that leads to unexpected financial gains for Hawke. This chance meeting at a hotel’s dining room evolves into a fateful connection, particularly with the emerging presence of a captivating woman who has an interest in the affairs of another character, the wealthy returnee Hugh Johnstone. The opening chapters set the tone for a complex interplay of ambition, risk, and romance, hinting that the lines between loyalty and treachery may prove to be as intricate as the characters themselves.