No Arms, No Armour

Born in London in 1905, Major Robert Henriques attended Rugby and Oxford before joining the Royal Artillery in 1926. The novel's protagonist, Toby Windrush, is portrayed as a typical young British man from a military background. Handsome and athletic, Toby seems destined for a life in uniform, with the potential for promotion and adherence to traditional conventions. However, there is more to Toby than initially meets the eye.

Toby's commanding officer, Major Sammy, possesses a perceptive and reassuring gaze, and is able to see beyond Toby's outward appearance. He poses unsettling questions to Toby, prompting him to contemplate his own identity. Additionally, Lydia, an attractive and independent woman, presents Toby with further challenges. Despite her affections for Toby, Lydia does not wholeheartedly love him, and she inadvertently places his life in danger during a high-speed car accident. She also refuses to promise to wait for Toby's return when he is assigned to duty in the Sudan.

Toby's experiences reveal the complexities beneath his seemingly conventional exterior, showcasing the inner conflicts and struggles that he must navigate. These challenges and uncertainties serve as a catalyst for Toby's personal growth and self-discovery, as he grapples with the expectations of his military upbringing and the complexities of his relationships with others. Through Toby's journey, Major Henriques's novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the often unpredictable nature of human connection.

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