Kif: An Unvarnished History

This is an early novel by Josephine Tey (Gordon Daviot). The story is good.

A farm boy goes to war, has a tough time afterwards, & meets a host of real characters--a con artist, a merciful major, a nasty corporal, a friendly thief, a father-like safe cracker, & a heart breaking woman. He sees good breaks & bad ones too. ...