The tenth volume of 'The Flashman Papers' finds the arch-rotter of the Victorian age unable to resist the lure of a pretty foot.
This time, though, his pursuit sets his own feet on a desperate journey in which his disgraceful American past catches up with him. Revenge-ridden old enemies, blackmailing secret societies, escaped slaves, eccentric clergymen; scheming and passionate beauties of assorted colours all await Flashy in the great war against slavery. His reply flights, escapes, dalliances and a sardonic eye cast over the thunderous action.
©1994 George MacDonald Fraser; (P)2009 BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Classics, history, historical fiction, marketing, Napoleonic stuff and of course 'Boys own Adventure'. This is my bent. Occasional self help as well.
"Great use of history"
Timothy West is absolutely fantastic reading these books. He does every accent and characterisation perfectly in my mind. GMF has written an excellent book but it isn't the best, most fun or amazing book in the Flashman series. I loved the previous book 'Flashman and the Great Game' and of course 'Flashman', 'Royal Flahsman' are the best, but saying that I did enjoy this book. The most I knew of this bit of history was from an old Errol Flynn movie and the TV series 'North & South', but what I know of history, this book seems spot on. Would love to see these books made into a TV series with varies local actors/actresses playing the roles but alas, it would be almost a logistic impossibility. Added to that the books can be classed as a little too racist and politically incorrect. Probably why I love them so much. This book is worth the listen to and lets hope Timothy West ends up doing the complete series, well at least the ones that where published. Damn shame that George MacDonald Fraser had to up and die. By the way, that isn't what happens in this book, just Flashman gets to play along with John Brown trying to start a revolt in 1859.
"Flashy is the best"
Timothy West does a good job as narrator and Fraser really is a great writer. Funny, suspenseful and educational, who can ask for more?