"Smoke Upon Your Altar Dies" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of short stories that explore themes of war, honor, and sacrifice. Kipling's writing style is beautiful and lyrical, drawing the reader into the vivid settings and complex characters that populate his tales.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Law of the Jungle," which follows the adventures of a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. Kipling's portrayal of the boy's struggle to reconcile his animal instincts with his human upbringing is both poignant and thought-provoking.

Another powerful story is "The Tomb of His Ancestors," which delves into the psychological toll of war on soldiers and the impact it has on their sense of identity and belonging. Kipling's exploration of the consequences of violence and trauma is both haunting and deeply moving.

Overall, "Smoke Upon Your Altar Dies" is a masterful collection that showcases Kipling's skill as a storyteller and his keen insight into the human condition. Each story is a gem in its own right, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of life and the choices we make in the face of adversity. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction and historical storytelling.

Book Description:
LibriVox volunteers bring you 15 recordings of The Smoke Upon Your Altar Dies by Rudyard Kipling. This was the Weekly Poetry project for January 6, 2013.Joseph Rudyard Kipling was an English short-story writer, poet, and novelist chiefly remembered for his tales and poems of British soldiers in India, and his tales for children. Kilping was one of the most popular writers in England, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1907 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and to date he remains its youngest recipient. Among other honours, he was sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and on several occasions for a knighthood, all of which he declined.