A friend of mine recommended this author to me a few years ago, and I wish had read this before (before my friend's death anyway).

This is the story of the war between men and an alien race on planets in the neighbourhood of Sirius, and in particular one man's effort in the war. Dropped on an enemy planet disguised as a native his task was to act as a WASP - that is create the maximum amount of irritation possible with the idea of appearing to be far more than one man, thus committing the enemy forces trying to capture him (or them as they think).

The writing is sharp and elegant, the story fast paced whilst managing to evoke the alien-ness of the Sirian race and the planet our WASP is on (Jaimec). If you get the chance to read this it is well worth the effort. Thanks you for the recommendation, Barry!