Rob Thompson

A fun adventure; despite the racism and sexism
Presented as the discovery of the supposedly historical Flashman Papers, this book chronicles the subsequent career of the bully Flashman from Tom Brown's School Days.

The book begins with a fictional note explaining that the Flashman Papers were discovered in 1965 during a sale of household furniture in Ashby, Leicestershire. The papers are attributed to Harry Paget Flashman, the bully featured in Thomas Hughes' novel, who becomes a well-known Victorian military hero (in Fraser's fictional England). The papers were supposedly written between 1900 and 1905. The subsequent publishing of these papers, of which Flashman is the first instalment, contrasts the public image of a (fictional) hero with his own more scandalous account of his life as an amoral and cowardly bully.

Flashman begins with the eponymous hero's own account of his expulsion from Rugby and ends with his fame as “the Hector of Afghanistan”. It details his life from 1839 to 1842 and his travels to Scotland, India, and Afghanistan. It also contains a number of notes by the author, in the guise of a fictional editor, providing additional historical glosses on the events described. The history in these books is largely accurate; most of the prominent figures Flashman meets were real people.

The main strength of the books is Flashman himself. He's such a terrible but wonderful character. Despite the racism, misogyny and sexism. Recommended for the armchair adventurer or amateur historian.

George MacDonald Fraser's “Flashman in the Great Game” is a rollicking adventure that once again showcases the author's masterful blend of historical fact and outrageous fiction. This fifth installment in the Flashman Papers series plunges our antihero, Harry Flashman, into the heart of the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

Fraser's meticulous research shines through as he weaves Flashman's exploits into the complex tapestry of Anglo-Indian relations and the bloody uprising that followed. The author's ability to bring historical figures to life is on full display, with characters like Lord Palmerston and Nana Sahib stepping off the page in vivid detail.

Flashman himself remains as delightfully incorrigible as ever. His cowardice, lechery, and self-serving nature continue to land him in increasingly perilous situations, which he escapes through a combination of luck, cunning, and sheer audacity. Fraser's wit sparkles throughout, making even the darkest moments of the narrative palatable through Flashman's irreverent narration.

However, modern readers may find some of Flashman's attitudes and the book's depiction of colonial India problematic. While Fraser is often critiquing these views through satire, the line between commentary and endorsement can sometimes blur.

The pacing is generally excellent, though some readers might find the historical exposition occasionally slows the narrative. Nevertheless, Fraser's prose remains engaging throughout, balancing humor with moments of genuine tension and even pathos.

“Flashman in the Great Game” is a worthy addition to the series, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on a pivotal moment in history. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction, though newcomers to the series might be better served starting with earlier installments.

In sum, this book is a testament to Fraser's skill as both a historian and a storyteller, providing a thrilling adventure that educates as much as it entertains.

Harry Flashman: the unrepentant bully of Tom Brown's schooldays, now with a Victoria Cross, has three main talents - horsemanship, facility with foreign languages and fornication. A reluctant hero, Flashman plays a key part in most of the defining military campaigns of the 19th century, despite trying his utmost to escape them all.

This fourth chronicle deals with the Crimea, Balaclava and Russian expansion into the East. As usual our anti-hero Flashman is right at the heart of events. Very politically incorrect, his desire for self-preservation, along with his usual amusing insights, make the book a pleasure to read. Definitely one of the stronger entries in the series.

“I was sufficiently recovered from my nervous condition – or else the booze was beginning to work ...

Royal Flash is the second of the Flashman novels. Written in 1970 by George MacDonald Fraser, Fraser based the book on the plot of The Prisoner of Zenda. Set during the Revolutions of 1848 the story is amusing enough. It is set in the fictional Duchy of Strackenz. This makes it the only Flashman novel to be set in a fictitious location. The story sees Flashman fleeing from a police raid on a brothel he was visiting, Flashman meets Lola Montez and Otto von Bismarck. Some years later a tempting offer sees Flashman in Munich. Here Bismarck has him abducted and blackmailed. His mission: to imitate Prince Carl Gustaf, a fictional member of the Danish royal family. Gustaf is to marry Duchess Irma, the ruler of the fictional Duchy of Strackenz. But according to Bismarck the prince has contracted a sexually transmitted disease. This, of course, would be embarrassing if uncovered by his future wife. This turns out to be a lie. In fact the prince is in prison in Jotunberg Castle. Flashman is a doppelgänger of the Prince. He is trained to take his place until the Prince is cured. Accompanied to Strackenz by Bismarck's accomplices, Rudi von Starnberg, Detchard and de Gautet, Flashy weds the Duchess. Shortly afterwards, while out hunting, Flashman finds out that Bismarck meant to double-cross him and kill him. But he turns the tables on his attacker and tortures the information out of him and kills him instead. He is then captured by Strackenzian nationalists and forced to help them storm the Jotunberg Castle. They are successful, but Flashman and von Starnberg fight in the dungeon, with Flashman escapes death. He then goes back to England, with the help of Montez, who robs him along the way.

In Royal Flash we see old Flashy in all his guises. Coward, scoundrel, lover and cheat. He uses his wits and skill to out of all manner of sticky situations. Well researched and full of detail, the mixture of history, humour and adventure makes for a great read.