This is a fictionalised account of black African soldiers fighting in Burma. Fourteen year old Ali Banana lies about his age to join the British army and be with his friends on the big adventure. It’s a vicious experience, tempered only by the comradeship and love that the men have for each other. This skilful portrayal is not just another World War Two story and will appeal a much wider range of readers – in the end, the war is secondary to the humour and poignancy of the soldiers and especially Ali.
