Great addition to the role of colonial states fighting for there colonial overlords. Shows the outstanding positive character of India nationals in a fight that would lead to the world's vision of an Indian state. India gains there independence from Britain just a few years later.

#AWarofEmpires #NetGalley

This work represents the perspective I was looking for, representing the role of bigger and imperialistic states in shaping the destiny of countries and eras overall.
It is always a captivating read for me, but hands down, this book for masterfully crafted and presented in a very logical manner.

Author & historian Robert Lyman, published the book “A War of Empires: Japan, India, Burma & Britain: 1941–45” this past week. He has published nine books.

In 1941 & 1942 the British and Indian forces in Burma were repeatedly defeated by the Japanese. They were ultimately pushed entirely out of the country into India. The Commonwealth forces gradually rebuilt themselves and began offensive operations against the Japanese. These forces weathered the Japanese drive on India in early 1944. The British and Commonwealth forces not only stopped them but began to drive them back to the East.

The book delves a little into the politics of the region during the period. The British, Chinese, and US were all allies, but they did not always have common goals. While the expansionism of Japan was well known, the British in Burma did little to prepare a defense. Many of the political and military leaders were out of their depth when confronted by the aggressive and experienced Japanese.

Many in India were already arguing for independence before the war. The war facilitated the economic and political growth of India. Even with the growing unrest, the all-volunteer Indian Army fought fiercely at the side of the British.

I enjoyed the 23+ hours I spent reading this 771-page WWII history. This is one of those rare history books that are very readable. I have read a couple of other accounts of the war in Burma, but I consider this to be the best so far. It provides a comprehensive look at this often ignored theater of operations. While the cover art looks like an old used book, I think that it is appropriate. I rate this book as a 4 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

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Mr. Lyman adds a valuable addition to the Historiography of the Second World War and the complex and dynamic Battlefront. A Valuable Addition to Field Marshal Slims History Defeat Into Victory.