Passage of Arms

Len Deighton's novel "The Man Who Lit the Way for Us All" is about an Indian clerk who finds a cache of arms in the Malaysian jungle and decides to sell them to achieve his dream of owning a bus company. This decision sets off a chain of events involving an entrepreneurial Chinese family, a corrupt Colonel, and a naive couple of American tourists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Len Deighton's novel "The Man Who Lit the Way for Us All" follows the journey of an Indian clerk named Girija Krishnan, who discovers a cache of abandoned arms hidden in the Malaysian jungle. With the hope of fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a bus company, Girija decides to sell the weapons. However, he soon realizes that his decision has set in motion a series of events that involve an entrepreneurial Chinese family, a corrupt Colonel, and a naïve couple of American tourists who find themselves caught up in a dangerous web of intrigue.

Girija's encounter with the abandoned arms leads him to a group of Chinese immigrants who are illegally trading weapons in the region. They offer him a substantial sum of money to transport the weapons to a buyer in Singapore. Girija, driven by his desire for wealth and success, agrees to take on the job.

As he embarks on his journey, Girija encounters a corrupt Colonel who is involved in the illegal arms trade. The Colonel offers to help Girija by providing him with additional weapons and resources. Girija, tempted by the promise of power and influence, agrees to work with the Colonel.

However, Girija's decision to involve himself in the illegal arms trade soon puts him in danger. He becomes a target for the authorities, and his life is threatened by those who want to exploit him for his knowledge and connections.

Meanwhile, the naïve couple of American tourists, who stumbled upon the abandoned arms cache, become caught up in the unfolding events. They are unaware of the dangerous situation they have gotten themselves into, and they rely on Girija to guide them through the complex web of intrigue.

As the story progresses, Girija's decision to sell the weapons becomes more complicated. He begins to question the morality of his actions and the impact they will have on the lives of those involved. He also realizes that the Colonel is not to be trusted, and that he has his own agenda.

In a climactic moment, Girija confronts the Colonel and exposes his corruption. The Colonel is arrested, and Girija is able to escape with the American tourists.

The novel "The Man Who Lit the Way for Us All" is a powerful exploration of the consequences of greed, power, and corruption. It sheds light on the illegal arms trade and its impact on communities and individuals. Len Deighton's writing is masterful, and he creates a vivid and compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

The novel also highlights the importance of making ethical decisions and the consequences of pursuing personal gain at the expense of others. Girija's journey is a testament to the human capacity for both good and evil, and it reminds us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.

In conclusion, "The Man Who Lit the Way for Us All" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and morally complex story. Len Deighton's novel is a testament to his talent as a writer, and it provides a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241606186