Herbert Strang
In Clive's Command: A Story of the Fight for India
"In Clive's Command: A Story of the Fight for India" by Herbert Strang is a historical adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on the character Desmond Burke, a young man whose aspirations to escape a constrained life on a farm collide with the grander historical events of British colonial expansion in India, particularly during the pivotal times of General Robert Clive's campaigns. Through adventure and intrigue, Burke seeks to carve his own path, inspired by Clive's feats in the East. The opening of the story introduces us to an autumn evening in 1754 in Market Drayton, where the local townsfolk gather to celebrate Colonel Clive, a hometown hero recently returned from India. Desmond Burke, a restless youth, defies his domineering older brother, Richard, to witness the festivities. He feels a powerful connection to Clive, whose exploits fuel his longing for adventure. However, Desmond's dreams are rapidly overshadowed by his difficult home life, characterized by bullying and oppression from Richard. The tension of their relationship becomes palpable, setting the stage for Desmond's eventual decision to leave home in pursuit of his ambitions, with the backdrop of Clive’s adventures as both an inspiration and an impetus for his own journey.