Sebastian Stuart is a complicated character: a Flashmanesque cad, an adventurer and a soldier who during his colourful life faces some tough moral questions - loyalty or betrayal. Self preservation or the courage to face the consequences of his acts for which he will eventuallly be judged. A sweeping history of England and Germany before and during World War II and the after-effects where the reader can perhaps easily imagine being placed in the uncomfortable position Stuart is placed. Is Sebastian Stuart a hero? That is for the reader to decide no matter the uncomfortable roller coaster ride the book takes them on.