The Phantom Regiment; or, Stories of "Ours"

"The Phantom Regiment; or, Stories of 'Ours'" by James Grant is a historical fiction novel set in the 1800s, telling the story of Ricardo Ramble, a British officer longing for adventure and love while stationed in Gibraltar. The story begins with Ramble's bittersweet memories of the beautiful Paulina, a Spanish woman with whom he had a brief romance that ended with her departure to Spain, and his friend Jack Slingsby encourages him to embrace life at the garrison, hinting at new opportunities for excitement and action. As gossip swirls within the barracks, Ramble’s desires for adventure grow stronger, and the narrative looks forward to a potential deployment to the Crimean War, creating an atmosphere that combines romantic longing with the anticipation of military action, highlighting themes of love, friendship, and a soldier’s ambition.