Book cover of Bugles and a Tiger: My Life in the Gurkhas

Book description

The first of John Master's evocative memoirs about life in the Gurkhas in India on the cusp of WWII

John Masters was a soldier before he became a bestselling novelist. He went to Sandhurst in 1933 at the age of eighteen and was commissioned into the 4th Gurkha Rifles in…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Bugles and a Tiger as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

John Masters grippingly tells of his life as a newly commissioned Subaltern in a Gurkha regiment, warts, and all. This book is especially valuable to new infantry platoon commanders, or anyone interested in the challenges of leading at the lowest levels. Masters is a consummate storyteller who takes the reader along with him in his personal journey of discovery as he learns about life, leadership, and the nature of war.

From Charles' list on military tactical thinking.

This is one of the most evocative accounts of service by a British officer in the old, pre-partition Indian Army. It has rightly become a classic of this period of history, which comes to its denouement in Burma in 1945. Masters, who became a best-selling author after the war, beautifully captures the nature of the great Indian Army as its marches into history following its smashing of the Japanese in Burma.

From Robert's list on the war in Burma, 1941-45.

If you love Bugles and a Tiger...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Bugles and a Tiger?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Bugles and a Tiger.

Browse books like Bugles and a Tiger

Book cover of Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945
Book cover of The Little Men
Book cover of Jungle Fighter

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Bugles and a Tiger, you might also like...

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Coyote Weather

Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell,

Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.

Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…

5 book lists we think you will like!